Community Psychology Master program at Birzeit University, Palestine Birzeit University, Birzeit, Palestine; Ibrahim Makkawi Lillehammer University College NTNU, Trondheim; Sven Hroar Klempe

The impact on development in the region Ownership – The programme was initiated by some few community psychologists at Birzeit University – To give local stakeholders devices for demonstrating the importance of a certain competence is the most efficient way to influence a region Building up competence – The competence in community psychology has exponentially increased during these years Weaken the position of the NGOs in the region – “Good helpers” may represent a problem as long as they are only promoting their own solutions

The most important lessons learned from the project cooperation: Local initiative important There might be interest conflicts between stakeholders on a lower (professors) and a higher level (vice president/board) Building up infrastructure is important Doctoral programs for the best candidates Project coordinators who know how to communicate across cultural borders

How may the lessons learned guide future cooperation projects? Ask for what is needed by stakeholders/experts on different levels from the region Financial support for building up infrastructure is a requirement for quality Financing of doctoral students is a requirement to make a program sustainable Financing of collaborative research is a requirement Interventions on a ministerial level is sometimes necessary