During the interview, Dr. Baba gave a brief of the project which connects university students studying architecture and building engineering in Nablus, West Bank and Tempe, Arizona providing them with a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability concepts and green buildings through project-based learning culminating into a competition. Dr. Baba discussed how the project engages with high school students in Balata Refugee Camp in the West Bank as well as from the United States through capacity building training and site visits on sustainability and green buildings.

He added that An-Najah will connect over 120 university students and at least 60 high school students in the Palestinian Territories’ city of Nablus as well as the surrounding refugee camps and Tempe, Arizona in the United States.

The programme focuses on providing secondary and university students with a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability concepts, green buildings, and public policy through team-based projects.

The project incorporates three different strategies, including project based learning (PBL) focused on green buildings, a competition among the PBL teams and virtual exchange.  These different components have proven to work together to maximize student motivation and help break down cultural, language and educational barriers while also increasing understanding of the socio-political context of Balata Refugee Camp for both the Palestinian and U.S. university participants.

Notes:

To read full interview, please visit the link:

http://www.stevensinitiative.org/interview-with-mutasim-baba-an-najah-national-university/