WDI Partners with Bethlehem University in Finance Education
June 2009
In continuation of work by WDI’s Development Consulting Services’ under the Expanded and Sustained Access to Financial Services (ESAF) project in the West Bank Territories, WDI’s has partnered with Bethlehem University to strengthen their ability to increase the number of qualified Finance graduates, and more importantly, improve the analytical skills of their students.
Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Bethlehem University’s and WDI’s goal in working with ESAF is to introduce a new Minor in Finance, and update and improve the analytical skills of its undergraduate Finance students. Both WDI and BU will exert efforts in collaboration to strengthen the financial sector through the provision of technical assistance, training, and strategic partnerships in order to expand access to financial services to Palestinian households and micro, small, and medium enterprises providing the foundation for accelerated economic growth in the long term.
The University Strengthening Program is designed as a 2.5 year, performance-based partnership. The program’s emphasis is placed on enhancing the quality of university graduates in the banking and finance areas. Initiatives are divided into a faculty exchange, visiting scholars and short term technical assistance activities.