Mandel Program for Local Leadership in Abu Basma:
2005–2006

The program aimed to guide the participants during the transition from a long period of struggle to a process of achieving recognition.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Mandel Program for Local Leadership in Abu Basma, in partnership with AJEEC–NISPED (the Arab-Jewish Center for Equality, Empowerment, and Cooperation), was attended by local residents committed to the welfare of their communities. The program aimed to guide the participants during the transition from a long period of struggle to a process of achieving recognition, along with the establishment of local infrastructure and services, all of which required the acquisition of new knowledge and skills.

The program took place over the period of a year, during which weekly sessions were held.

PARTNERS

Abu Basma Regional Council; AJEEC–NISPED

PROGRAM CONTENT

The program addressed: the challenges posed by changes in Negev Bedouin society; designing a local community vision; leadership models; planning models; methods of setting policy; public management and government; and more. The participants were engaged in designing local social policy and in preparing a work plan for developing formal and informal education in their villages.

PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENTS

The program participants formed mission teams, which produced planning documents for establishing informal education systems in the villages. These plans were implemented, with support and guidance from the Mandel Center faculty.