PARC hosts a Belgian delegation in the village of Tell, Nablus Governorate.
PARC hosted a high-level Belgian delegation in the village of Tell, Nablus Governorate. The delegation included the Belgian Consul General in Jerusalem, Ms. Annick Van Calster, and the Director of the Belgian development agency (Enabel) in Palestine, Ms. Heidi De Pauw, accompanied by agency representatives. The field visit aimed to gain insight into the realities of local communities and the challenges they face.
The delegation was welcomed by PARC’s Director General, Mr. Munib Abu Jaish, and the association’s staff, alongside heads and representatives of municipal and village councils from Tell, Madma, Burin, and Asira al-Qibliya.
During the meeting, representatives of local bodies outlined the situation in the area's villages and towns, highlighting key challenges facing residents and farmers. These included difficulties in accessing agricultural land, the impact on water sources and essential services, the repercussions of current conditions on agricultural, artisanal, and commercial activities, and the resulting economic and livelihood challenges for local families.
For her part, the Belgian Consul General emphasized the importance of field visits in gaining a firsthand understanding of the realities and challenges facing Palestinian communities. She noted the significance of maintaining communication with residents and local institutions and exploring ways to strengthen international support and presence, particularly with the approaching olive harvest season.
PARC’s Director General, Mr. ... Munjad Abu Jaish thanked the heads and representatives of municipal and village councils for their warm welcome, emphasizing the importance of the strategic partnership between the Agricultural Development Association (PARC) and the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel). This partnership has materialized through various joint projects and programs across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Abu Jaish noted that some of these interventions—particularly in the Gaza Strip—have served as inspiring models, encouraging other institutions and donors to adopt similar approaches to fostering economic empowerment and addressing local needs.
Abu Jaish also highlighted the importance of transferring and expanding PARC’s experience with the "cluster" and geographic grouping approach to the region. This strategy enables the creation of more integrated interventions that address the shared needs of local communities and enhance their development opportunities.
He added that the experience of collaborating with the Belgian agency underscored the importance of integrating development efforts and supporting local communities. He pointed out that current challenges require enhanced coordination among civil society organizations, official bodies, donors, and diplomatic missions—especially with the approaching olive harvest season—to support farmers and ensure their ability to access their lands and continue agricultural activities.
For her part, Ms. Heidi De Pauw, Head of the Belgian Development Agency in Palestine, reaffirmed the agency's commitment to supporting programs and initiatives that strengthen the resilience of Palestinian communities and expand their economic and developmental opportunities. She praised the ongoing partnership with PARC and the impactful development interventions and practices that have resulted from it. She also expressed appreciation for the active participation of representatives from local bodies and target communities, as well as their commitment to directly articulating their needs and aspirations.
At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation toured the "Hawa" agricultural nursery, managed by entrepreneur Tasneem Abdul-Jawad—a beneficiary of the "Tamkeen: Marginalized Youth Establishing Sustainable Small and Micro-Enterprises – Phase I" project.
Tasneem presented an overview of her journey since launching the project, highlighting how the support she received