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Co-Facilitation Program
The co-facilitation program is carried out jointly by a trainer from the
CCRR (for the Palestinian side) and a trainer from the Truman Institute
for the Advancement of Peace (for the Israeli side). The course is
concerned (a) with the theory of conflict resolution, with (b) conflict
resolution skills and methods and (c) the exchange of experiences in
facilitation by the participants of different nationalities.
On the academic level, the course discusses the problems of
co-facilitation: Two trainers, who are part of the conflict, host a
facilitation session for experienced trainers from both sides. The
participants discuss the theoretical aspect of the co-facilitation
endeavor. On the second, more practical level, they exchange ideas
different about exercises and games to use in their own workshops.
Co-facilitation provides the trainers with skills and confidence. The
joint training ensures that the trainers are credible and successful in
delivering their message.
The first course was held in 1999-2000, when the political and security
situation was relatively stable. The meetings were held alternately in
the Palestinian Territories and in Israel. During these discussions, a
wide range of relationships between Palestinians and Israelis was
established. Until 2003, we managed to conduct two one-year co
facilitation courses, each involving 20 peace activists from both the
Palestinian and the Israeli side. Both sides agreed on the basic
approach of co-facilitation. Co-facilitation allows every participant to
be represented, and to feel secure.
When the political situation destabilized in August 2001, Pisa
University jumped in and offered that the trainers could meet in Italy.
In Italy, Italian trainers joined the co-facilitation program, adding
third party ideas. Having Palestinian, Israeli and Italian trainers
together, changed the group dynamic. This proved to be very helpful
insofar as it allowed the participants to reevaluate their methods and
standpoints.
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