The Water and Environmental Studies Institute at An-Najah University conducted an integrated program titled "Training of Trainers" program for a selected group of 26 Palestinian school teachers   responsible for managing school environment and sanitation health.

The training program aimed at providing training for trainers in the field of environmental management and sanitation. A total of 15 specialized lectures were given over three days extending from November 27^th to 29^th and covering three main domains. All lectures were presented at the Water and Environmental Studies Institute. The first day focused on basic training skills and tools, while the second  day discussed ways to encourage and increase the participation, contribution and involvement of all those interested in environmental management and sanitation in schools. The last day addressed the enhancement the skills needed to improve school environment and school sanitation.

Long-term goal of the program is to create trainer-teachers who do not only manage better the school environment and sanitation but also lead their schools and train teachers from other schools in the subject matter as well as contribute to the sustainable development of this important sector.

A distinguished group of expert trainers participated in the program, most of who were from An-Najah; those were: Professor Marwan Haddad, Dr. Sami Al-Kilani, Dr. Alia Alasali, Dr. Numan Mizyed, Dr. Sameh Abusair and Mr. Mohammed Said Hamidi.

Part of the sessions was attended by Mr. Vincent Travers and Miss Dana Rassas from the Office of Information and Cultural Development Section at the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. They highly praised the fine organization of the training program, the training material given to teachers, and the quality of the trainers. They also thanked Professor Haddad for his leadership of this environmental initiative which is of high importance to the Palestinian people.

Professor Haddad expressed his gratitude for the friendship and support given by the U.S. Consulate to An-Najah University. He also stressed his commitment as well as that of the Water and Environmental Studies Institute to promoting and advancing environmental studies, research and initiatives in Palestine.