Cisco Regional Academy Opened at Hisham Hijjawi College of Technology
27 October 2009
Under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Mahmood Abbas, President of Palestine, and as part of the USAID funded Technical and Vocational Education and Training Program, executed by Save the Children and MercyCorps Foundation, the Cisco Regional Academy was officially opened at Hisham Hijjawi College of Technology of An-Najah National University in Nablus. This academy will work to sponsor and present technical support to all local institutions. It will provide courses in computer technology, maintenance, protection systems, wireless networks, and skills development.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Sabri Saidam, President Advisor for Communication, Information Technology and Vocational Training, Mr. Jerry Farrell of Save the Children Foundation, Deputy Mission Director of USAID Ms. Sherry Carlin, Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Maher Natsheh, Secretary General of Hisham Hijjawi College of Technology Mr. Naser Aloul.
The ceremony was also attended by the staff of the college, Human Rights agencies, local and international NGOs, staff of the Palestinian Authority, representatives to the sectors of Palestinian Information Technology and Telecommunications, Palestinian vocational training organizations, private sector and international donors.
Prof. Maher Natsheh, representing University President Prof. Rami Hamdallah at this event, thanked the sponsors for their support in establishing the academy at Hijjawi College, which will have a great impact on education and training opportunities in the North of Palestine.
Dr. Sabri Saidam said that CISCO is one of the most important specialized corporations in the area of IT education. CISCO has worked hard, since the beginning of the new millennium, to establish a number of academies specializing in computer networks. Dr. Sabri felt that Hisham Hijjawi College of Technology was the right place to establish this academy.
Ms. Sherry Carlin ensured that this academy will have a great impact in vocational education in the North of Palestine, and expressed her delight to cooperate with Hijjawi College.
Mr. Jerry Farrell talked about the importance of establishing this academy in Hisham Hijjawi College which will contribute to creating vocational education and career opportunities.
Mr. Naser Aloul, Secretary General of Hisham Hijjawi College of Technology, said the college celebrates the opening of an important academy that will grant students vocational education and provide opportunities. He also thanked USAID, Save the Children and MercyCorps foundations for their continuous support of the academy.
Elias Baboun, Chairperson of VET-NGO League, appreciated the efforts of establishing the academy and congratulated Hisham Hijjawi College.
After that, An-Najah Popular Arts Band of the Students Affairs Deanship presented a Dabka and traditional songs performance.
Its worth noting that CISCO Regional Academy opening is part of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Program Project, which aims at enhancing the skills of Palestinian youth, elevate vocational education and training in the Palestinian students communities, and to establish coordination and cooperation between vocational and technical training institutions and private sectors.
The establishment of CISCO academy in Palestine will help in the growth of the Palestinian economy through the process of training Palestinian staff in this area. The preparation for this academy started in June where specialists were trained in Beirut at a specialized course, and by providing the academy with all needed equipments and tools.
