In order to improve the quality of services provided to the general population, PCC works on strengthening the capacity of service providers in the mental health field. The main objective of the department is to upgrade the capacities and performance of individuals and institutions working in mental health. Period: 1990- present. Location: All PCC locations and throughout the West Bank. The role of PCC and partners: Universities with which PCC coordinates for its training program include: Birzeit, Bethlehem, Al-Quds, Al-Najah, The Arab-American University in Jenin, and Al-Quds Open University in four districts. PCC also coordinates activities with Ministry of Social Affairs, and many other international and local NGOs active in the mental health field.
Results achieved:
- A training program is developed and ready to absorb undergraduate students and new graduates: In 2014, PCC absorbed 112 university trainees and 48 volunteers.
- Capacities of mental health workers are developed and upgraded: PCC developed the capacities of 343 mental health professionals at various local organizations through short-term training programs.
- Palestinian organizations work according to professional mental health standards: In 2014, 4 community-based organizations improved psychosocial and protection services provided to children and adolescents in Jerusalem; 50 professionals received professional supervision support; 82 general practitionaers from primary health care centers received training on the integration of mental health in primary health care; 18 mental health organizations adopted the supervision model program.
Impact on target groups: enhanced job opportunities for university students participating in PCC’s training program; transfer of the supervision model program to 18 mental health organizations. Funding sources: CCFD, Bread for the World, Diakonia, AGFUND, UNICEF, UN Women, NGO Development Center, MDM- France and Switzerland, Welfare Association.
Programs implemented through the capacity building department include:
1. Training and placement of university students: undergraduates and graduating students majoring in psychology, social work and education from Palestinian universities are placed in all offices and departments of PCC as volunteers and as trainees.
2. Developing the capacities of mental health organizations through training and professional supervision: The PCC has worked on developing individual and group counseling services at mental health organizations, through improving the knowledge of professionals within these organizations on mental health issues through training workshops as well as weekly supervision sessions, including a professional supervision training of trainers program that provides participants with internationally recognized diplomas at the end of the training period, issued by the University of Berlin.
3. Implementation of short-term training programs: PCC has provided short-term training programs for mental health practitioners and other relevant persons in numerous topics, including but not limited to:
- Formation and management of groups (for prevention and therapeutic purposes)
- School counseling
- Expressive art and music therapy
- Self-empowerment and self-assertion methods
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Working with ex-political detainees
- Development of educational materials
- Training of trainers
- Volunteer management
- Development of assessment and monitoring tools
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