Wajibi: My Education, My Community - Small Grants Awarded to Arab Universities

ICP and Silatech announce the recipients of the University Civic Engagement Initiative, Wajibi: My Education, My Community small grants competition. Out of numerous strong proposals, two Moroccan universities and two Palestinian universities will receive grants. The four universities will be awarded up to $20,000 that will be used to develop and implement policies and programs that enhance civic engagement at their universities and in their communities. The grant period is from May 1, 2014 until April 30, 2015.

Al Akhawayn University (AUI), a public institution in Ifrane, Morocco, has crafted an initiative that builds on social responsibility in its strategic plan and a mandated community service requirement for all degree-seeking undergraduates. Their program will consist of fifteen faculty members who will pilot the inclusion of service learning in 30 courses, placing 450 students with 10 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), with the aim of extending the approach to most courses at the university.

Ibn Zohr University (UIZ), a public institution in Agadir, Morocco, will establish a university network that will serve to centralize all civic engagement activities and practices. The goals of the network are to encourage and support all campus activities related to the field; engage with the ecosystem through partnering with civil society organizations; enhance the capacity of the local community; and encourage students and academics to engage in community-based research. 

The Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) has created an initiative that will assess the awareness of the importance of civic engagement at the university level; develop a strategic plan to promote participation and community service on campus; spread the culture of civic engagement and societal service within different university departments and faculties; and develop and disseminate a directory on civic engagement best practices to students and faculty.

Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU), located in the West Bank city of Hebron, will build capacity for and standardize best practices of civic engagement by piloting initiatives in service learning, volunteer work, and community-based research. More than 125 students, faculty, and academic staff will participate in awareness and training workshops, update curricula, and create volunteer and service learning projects in the local community.

Additional information can be found on our Wajibi page.  

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About Innovations in Civic Participation
Innovations in Civic Participation (ICP) is a non-profit organization supporting the development of innovative high-quality youth civic engagement policies and programs both in the US and around the world. ICP is a leader in the global movement to promote sustainable development and social change through youth civic engagement. We embrace a positive view of young people that recognizes their potential to create beneficial and lasting social change in their communities through active participation in service opportunities. Learn more: www.icicp.org.

About Silatech
Silatech is a regional social initiative that works to create jobs and expand economic opportunities for young Arabs. The organization promotes large-scale job creation, entrepreneurship, access to capital and markets, and the participation and engagement of young people in economic and social development. Since being founded in 2008 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Silatech has financed over 78,000 youth-owned businesses, created or sustained over 86,000 jobs, and trained over 1800 youth-focused NGO staff. Silatech currently has programs in 15 Arab countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen. For more information, please visit www.silatech.com.