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Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie (PTUK) celebrated the graduation of 85 participants from the third cohort of its Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Education, during a ceremony held at the Yasser Arafat Auditorium on the University's Tulkarm campus.
The event was attended by PTUK President Prof. Hussein Shanak, senior officials from the Directorates of Education in Tulkarm, Tubas, and Qalqilya, university vice presidents, deans, faculty and administrative staff, Program Director Dr. Ahmad Ammar, kindergarten supervisors, graduates, and their families. The diploma is delivered in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education, with support from the World Bank and the Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA), in collaboration with Palestinian universities and kindergartens, as part of national efforts to strengthen the early childhood education sector.
Prof. Shanak emphasized that the University's partnership with the Ministry of Education represents a successful national model of collaboration between higher education institutions and government agencies, contributing to the preparation of qualified educators capable of advancing early childhood education. He noted that PTUK remains committed to serving the community through academic and professional programs that respond to national priorities and societal needs.
He added that the participants' commitment to joining the diploma reflects their dedication to lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Developed jointly with the Ministry of Education and kindergarten supervisors, the program combines rigorous theoretical instruction with practical training to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in early childhood settings.
Prof. Shanak explained that the program is built upon a child-centered educational philosophy aligned with contemporary learning theories and the Ministry's educational policies. It promotes safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environments that support children's cognitive, linguistic, physical, social, and emotional development while fostering creativity and lifelong learning.
He further highlighted PTUK's commitment to expanding partnerships with ministries, universities, and public and community institutions, reinforcing its vision as an engaged university that links education with community development, workforce needs, and lifelong learning.
Concluding his remarks, Prof. Shanak congratulated the graduates and their families and expressed his appreciation to the program administration, academic and administrative staff, trainers, kindergarten supervisors, and partner institutions for their contributions to the program's success.
Dr. Ahmad Ammar, Director of the Diploma Program, explained that the initiative was established in response to a pressing need within the Palestinian early childhood education sector. With 1,578 kindergartens serving more than 101,000 children across the West Bank, the program was designed to equip educators with specialized pedagogical knowledge and practical skills necessary to deliver high-quality early childhood education.
He noted that the diploma aims to improve the quality of kindergarten education by strengthening educators' competencies in child development, modern teaching strategies, assessment methods, and classroom practice. The year-long professional program consists of five integrated training modules and incorporates e-learning, digital portfolios, presentations, educational videos, performance-based tasks, and continuous formative feedback.
Despite challenges related to security conditions, mobility restrictions, technical limitations, and participants' diverse educational backgrounds, Dr. Ammar affirmed that the commitment of both trainees and instructors ensured the program's successful implementation. He also highlighted the participants' outstanding achievements in designing educational resources, producing children's stories and learning games, and integrating storytelling, drama, and creative activities into early childhood education.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Iman Badran expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the program, describing it as a transformative educational experience that renewed their passion for learning and deepened their understanding of modern pedagogical practices. She noted that the diploma strengthened their confidence, enhanced their ability to plan and assess learning experiences, and enabled them to apply active learning strategies in kindergarten classrooms.
She also commended PTUK for providing a supportive learning environment and an academically rigorous program that has significantly contributed to their professional growth, expressing appreciation to the University, the program team, kindergarten supervisors, and their families for their continuous support.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of Professional Diploma certificates in Early Childhood Education to the graduates, recognizing the successful completion of the program and their readiness to contribute to improving early childhood education across Palestine.
