International Training on
“Policies, Strategies and Support Systems for Rural Revitalization”
June 24th to July 18th, 2013
Organized by the Weitz Center for Development Studies
Economic growth and development have been largely unkind to rural areas and their residents. Processes of urbanization, trade liberalization, government investment elsewhere and industrialization have left many rural areas in developing countries and countries in transition with limited income or employment for rural residents. The international training Policies, Strategies and Support Systems for Rural Revitalization is designed to approach these difficulties by identifying channels for rural development and revitalization, specifically through diversification of economic activities; improvement of social services; the establishment of an effective system of support for economic and social development and strengthening agriculture production.
A central concern of the course is to equip participants with a critical understanding for the ways and means to revitalize rural areas both socially and economically. The course adopts the integrated approach for rural development – The Rehovot Approach, which stresses the importance of integrating economic activities, integrating national policies with local interests, and utilizing local assets for the development process.
The program will introduce participants to:
É National and regional policies that act as support systems for the revitalization of rural communities.
É Economic development and diversification of economic niches in the rural realm, such as sustainable tourism and agro-industry.
É The role of agriculture in rural revitalization.
É Integrating environmental concerns for local development while examining the linkages between environment and poverty.
É Partnerships, financial and organizational tools for rural revitalization.
The Israeli experience
Israel gained significant experience in rural development and revitalization. This includes national policies for rural development, the establishment of cooperative rural settlements, adopting novel technologies for agricultural production, and contemporary economic diversification of income generating schemes in the rural population.
This program will provide participants with knowledge and tools in the following subjects:
É Support systems for rural economic development such as agricultural R&D, extension, infrastructure investments, SME support and settlement upgrading.
É Israel's experience in PPP and integrated approaches to upgrading rural service delivery and its adaptation to the developing world.
É Provision of high quality social services in the rural areas such as education and health care.
É Tourism development in the rural sector.
É Sound Environmental practices of water management, combating land degradation, soil erosion, reforestation, biodiversity, etc'.
É Understanding the critical role of an integrated approach, of partnerships and of implementation mechanisms in rural revitalization.
The methodology
Participants will attend lectures in class and on-site conferences, benefiting from the experience and knowledge of high-level Israeli experts and consultants. Israeli cases and practice will be discussed and exercised throughout the program. Additionally, participants will be required to formulate and present a project of interest relevant to the topic of this course. For this purpose, some pre-course work will be required. Detailed instruction will be sent to the selected participants.
Remark: Please take into consideration that the program involves daily walking on the campus as well as in field visits.
Who may apply?
The training targets highly motivated individuals working to upgrade declined rural areas. Typically we are looking for: decision makers and policy makers working in governmental ministries, specifically in the field of rural development, environment, agriculture and resource management, planning and economics; Employees of local authorities in the relevant fields; Representatives of rural association; Managers of cooperatives, NGOs or CBOs; Key workers of private sector businesses which operate in the field.
Application Process
Candidates must complete the appropriate application forms (including health certificate, declaration etc.) available at the Israeli diplomatic mission in their country, or through the Internet http://mashav.mfa.gov.il, www.weitz-center.org. The completed forms should be submitted in WORD documents at the Israeli mission in your area and sent to our office (ronit@weitz-center.org) not later than April 20th.
Candidates must also hand in a passport photo by electronic file.
Scholarships
The scholarships includes: 25 days with full board, tuition, accommodation (double room) and meals, medical insurance (not included dental services, eye glasses, chronic illnesses and pregnancy) and transportation from/to the airport in Israel. The scholarship does not include flight tickets.
It should be taken into account when booking the flight tickets that the scholarship covers exclusively from 23.06.2013 (arrival day) to 18.07.13 (day of departure). Any liability or expense out of this term shall be entirely at the expense of the participant.
Arrival and transportation
A Taxi Company called “MONI SITON TOURS” will transport the participants to the Residence in Rehovot, Israel, where the students will stay during the training. Transportation will be free of charge only if transported by this company.
The MONI SITON TOURS counter is located after passing through Customs, in the gallery of level 1 (Arriving Passengers’ hall, left staircase near gate 2, towards "Arbel Launch ".)
Medical Insurance
MASHAV will assume the responsibility of the participants' medical insurance for the duration of the course, excluding dental care, pregnancy, eyeglasses and chronic illnesses.
MASHAV and Weitz Center are not responsible in case of lost or stolen personal belongings.
About MASHAV
MASHAV – Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation - at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was founded in late 1957, and is responsible for the design, coordination and implementation of the Sate of Israel’s development cooperation programs. MASHAV concentrates on human and institutional capacity building by sharing Israel’s own development experience and expertise, imparting know-how and transferring innovative technologies and tested methodologies adaptable to developing country needs. MASHAV’s approach is to ensure social, economic and environmental sustainable development, joining the international community's efforts to implement the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. In events of natural disasters, MASHAV also provides humanitarian assistance and participates in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
About Weitz Center
The Weitz Center for Development Studies is a leader in capacity building for sustainable development. Our work is dedicated to enhancing the efforts of international agencies, governments, communities, civil society and private sector organizations to achieve positive social and economic change worldwide. Towards this end, we offer high quality training and consulting services, highlighting our practical, assets-based and integrated approach to development. http://www.weitz-center.org/
Additional Information
Any additional information is available at:
Weitz Center for Development Studies
P.O.Box 12
Rehovot 76100, Israel
Tel: 972-8-9474373
Fax: 972-8-9475884
Cell: 972-54-6655233 (Mrs. Ronit Shpindel)
E-mail: ronit@weitz-center.org
Application form here