The evolution of the Center for Business & Employment Services seems to be the most logical of all paths. First, it was the launch of A Step Forward, the economic empowerment program at Sharek. Under this program different projects were established to assist in bridging the gap between the Palestinian labor market and the local academic and vocational training institutions. These projects were training in the field, information technology, academic counseling, and career counseling.

 

Academic counseling has had and continues to have a significant impact on the awareness of women in rural areas. Through this project, school-going and secondary school drop-out females in more than 15 rural areas covering eight governorates in the West Bank were and continue to be targeted.

 

By the provision of in-school academic counseling sessions and the development of various types of skills, this project was able to prepare students of secondary schools to enter higher educational institutions. The project capitalized on Sharek’s success in serving marginalized communities as well as a vast volunteering base that include university and college students, acting as role models to develop a realistic view of higher education and its requirements on a personal and professional level.

 

The great success of the academic counseling project was possibly surpassed by that of career counseling. The project which was matched with its complementary component in training in the field had great feat in the Palestinian society. The project aimed at training graduating students of higher educational institutions and vocational training centers in a range of personal and practical skills and possible applications in their areas of specialization. This was and continues to be done first and foremost by implementing training workshops, during which professionals from the field gather with students and discuss their experiences in and the specific requirements of the labor market in the students' fields of study. In addition, the workshops on personal skills development focus on issues such as communication and presentation skills and creative thinking, while the workshops on practical skills place emphasis on the writing of a curriculum vitae and the preparation for job interviews. Also as part of the career awareness workshops, students go in group context for on-site visits to local companies and organizations participating in A Step Forward in order to develop a realistic outlook on the work situation in their field of interest.

 

The outcome of this project was that at in partnership with a number of local universities including Al-Najah National University, Al-Quds University (Abu Dis,) Al-Quds Open University branches in different governorates, Birzeit University, and Al-Aqsa University in Gaza, Career Centers were and are in the process of establishment. These centers serve as focal points for university students at all levels to gain knowledge of the job market, assistance in selection of areas of specialization, and in matching private-sector organizations with the outputs of higher educational institutions. 

 

Another resounding success of the program was in the training in the field project. With the participation of over 1000 private-sector organization and benefiting over 3200 trainees, the project significantly contributed to the career and economic empowerment of Palestinian youth. The project beneficiaries came from all around the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In each case, both Sharek and the host organization contributed to the salary of the trainee for a short-period of few months, after which the host organization had the option of employing the beneficiary or terminating the contract. The proposed value that these beneficiaries presented to their host organization, in addition to their acquired skills from the various Sharek programs, led to over 50% of West Bank and 10% of Gaza Strip beneficiaries obtaining employment after their traineeship.   

 

The former formula of a Step Forward proved to be successful. Nevertheless, with the addition of the Youth Business Support Unit under the project, and the great success that this unit has had in providing alternatives to employment through financial and technical support of young Palestinian entrepreneurs, it was prevalent that two main paths are being formulated for program beneficiaries. The first, including the original components of the program, which focuses on the eventual employment of young Palestinians, and the second which focuses on entrepreneurship, business development, counseling, and promotion.

 

To create a recipe for a comprehensive economic empowerment center, Sharek was able to utilize its existing projects as ingredients, add a twist of flavor by adding a few new ones, and offering for Palestinian youth a feast of diverse products and services that will serve the appetite of young persons of different tastes.   

 

 

We strive to empower youth. Our passion and dedication to Palestinian youth and the great need for economic revival guides the operations of the Center for Business & Employment Services. It is our mission and vision to assure that every young Palestinian is assured an opportunity to be economically active through employment or entrepreneurship. To serve this purpose, we will commit our resources and experience to building the capacities of young persons so that no one is excluded from being an active contributor to the Palestinian economy.

 

We are committed to the creation of an enabling environment, networks and alliances, advocacy, as well as providing finance and access to finance, employment and access to employment to the young generation. It is our passion to empower young bright Palestinians in becoming active professional, vocational, and business leaders.

 

 

As a Center affiliated with Sharek Youth Forum, the Center for Business & Employment Services is subject to the governing bodies of the organization. The Center’s management team is based in the organization’s General Management and Activities Center in Ramallah, with a focal coordination team in the Sharek Center in Gaza City, and satellite units throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Career Centers and Business Incubators in the various West Bank and Gaza Strip locations are supported by competent staff that oversee their operations and report to either the West Bank management or Gaza Strip coordination bodies.