Al-Istiqlal University concluded the leadership program for third-year students (Bachelor's), in partnership with the British Support Team, and in the presence of Brig. Gen. Alexandar Smith, the British Chief Officer, Prof. Dr. Mohammed Al-Sobou, the deputy for Academic Affairs, Brig. Gen. Salman Abdallah, the deputy for Military Affairs, Dr. Rajaa Sweidan, the deputy for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Ghassan Omar, the Director of the Institute of Training and Development, Capt. Abdul Aziz Abu Qassem, the program coordinator, and a number of the academic and military staff.
Brig. Gen. Smith thanked the administration of the University for the good reception and hosting on his first visit to this distinguished edifice, and its primary role in linking the educational aspect to the security dimension, and providing students with cognitive and operational skills, and the meanings of loyalty, sincerity, steadfastness, and dedication to performance, by qualified Palestinian trainers, stressing the importance of learning to drive in the midst of difficult circumstances, by identifying weaknesses and the balance of strength.
Furthermore, Brig. Gen. Abdallah reviewed the most important challenges that were faced, and the most prominent factors for the success of the program, on top of which is the establishment of a close relationship with the British support team through a memorandum of understanding between the two sides, besides preparing a capable Palestinian team able to present its theoretical and field interlocutors inside and outside the University within five levels intensively and organized over one time period.
Also, he talked about the main outputs, including the development of the individual skills of those who will graduate with the rank of a faction leader, and the strengthening of the spirit and bonds of cooperation within one team, in a way that contributes to good decision-making, and managing its members towards the desired goal and lifeline, looking forward to developing other joint programs, and benefit from the prestigious specialized British military school in this field.
Moreover, the student Rahaf Abu Haija praised the efforts of the training staff and the supervision of the support team, noting the most prominent achievements of the course which included 64 continuous training hours, besides the efficiency of the participants, the proper planning according to well-established scientific foundations, and the provision of vital information and experiences, to prepare and engage the students in the Palestinian security system.
For his part, Prof. Dr. Saleh Abu Osba, the President of Al-Istiqlal University, met with the British team, commended the effective partnership with the British support team, and the importance of these programs in refining the students’ personality, improving communication tools and effective communication among them, and utilizing what they have gained in the work environment and its direct connection with the qualitative mission and strategic vision of Al-Istiqlal University.
At the end of the event, the top ten were honored.