President of Al-Quds University Prof. Imad Abu Kishek met the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Sabri Saydam and the president of the German Representative office to Palestine Peter Biveat in the company office of Assal in Ramallah. This meeting aims to see the progress of the Duel studies program and its role in providing students with skills that are necessary for the labor market which guarantees job opportunities for students upon graduation.

The meeting was attended by the vice president of communication and development Prof. Hasan Dweik , the acting Dean of the Duel studies Dr. Omar Al-Thahir , the general manager of Al-assal company Mr. Murad  Tahboub , in addition,  crews of the German Company GFA , a number of representatives of the German agency  in Palestine, and a number of  representatives from companies.

During this visit, Alassal Co. presented a preface about the company and the program of duel studies, which Al-Quds University adopted because of the generous funding of the German government.    

Prof. Abu Kishek emphasized the commitment of Al-Quds University in ensuring the success of the Duel studies program and its efforts to create new programs in the faculty of the Duel studies. Prof. Abu Kishek praised the support of the German government and the partnership with the agency of the German cooperation. “This program aims to develop education and facilitate students access to the labor market, the program is based on integrating the theoretical education with the practical one” stated the president of Al-Quds University.  

The minister of higher education Dr. Sabri Saydam, expressed his delight for the availability of this quality of programs, which aims to reduce the unemployment among young graduates. He alluded that the Palestinian government discussed the possibility of creating programs modeled to the “Duel studies” in order to find a radical solution for unemployment, especially among the young graduates.

Mr. Peter Biveat admired the high commitment and support of the private sector to this program of duel studies, pointing that there are 33 companies that joined this program during the first year, who accepted 41 students. This number increased in the second year to 80 companies and 138 students. Mr. Biveat Stated that the German government has been following with interest this unique education model in the Middle East, and is considering the possibility of circulating this model to other universities in Palestine in the future.  

The representative of partner companies explained that the fundamental reason which was behind their acceptance to participate in this program, was their need of qualified graduates. The program give  these companies the opportunity to train students for two full  years, in order  to develop their competence  and  provide them with skills  which  are necessary for the labor market in conjunction with their graduation .   

At the end of this meeting two students who represent the electronic engineering dep., who are in the program of the” Duel studies,” recount their experience to the audience, expressing their pride in joining this program.

The innovative program of Duel studies, which Al-Quds University adapted, is the first and unique of its type in the Middle East. Its goal is to integrate the theoretical learning with the practical training through three disciplines: electronic engineering, information technology and Business Administration.