The Vocational Training Centre
In order to ensure that Talitha Kumi continues to offer educational opportunities to everyone, we offer not only general education but also vocational training possibilities at our school. Children and youths are hence able to explore and develop their different skills and talents.
As early as the mid-nineties, Talitha Kumi, in cooperation with the Palestinian Department of Employment and the German Otto Benecke Foundation, began to offer one-year vocational training programs for careers in the hotel business. Based on the German dual vocational training system, theoretical courses are held at Talitha Kumi (such as Languages, Computer Education, Accounting, or Geography) and supplemented by on the job-training in the Guest House and hotels in the region of Bethlehem and in Jerusalem. The dual training system was the first of it’s kind in the area. After the successful start of its program, Talitha Kumi was able to open a Community College accredited by the Department of Higher Education in 2000. The College specializes in training for hotel business careers. After a centralized exam, trainees receive a nationally recognized Certificate.
Students can enter the Community College after 11th and 12th grade which, according to the Palestinian Educational Plan, include vocational classes. Talitha Kumi chose to concentrate on Economics (particularly in Tourism) and Administration.
In 2008/2009, 23 students attended the Community College in two different programs: “Food and Beverages“ and “Hotel Management“. The majority of students enrolled for the “Food and Beverages“ program. In response to the high demand, we offer this program exclusively in 2009/2010.
Talitha Kumi College works closely together with the Arabic Hotel Association (AHA). We offer internships through the Association, as well as job opportunities for graduates. Furthermore, Talitha Kumi provides further education to hotel employees.
In cooperation with the organization “Save the Children“, we currently prepare for introducing a special program for drop-outs starting in the coming year. Drop-outs are students who haven't achieved the Tawjihi. Through the program, they get the opportunity to obtain the qualification for a career in the hotel business nevertheless. Based on a dual system, trainees will have partly theoretical courses and partly on the job training in the hotels. This yearly program is sponsored and accredited by the Department of Employment. “Save the Children“ covers the costs for developing the curriculum and for providing the necessary equipment.