Introduction
MA’AN Center is an independent Palestinian development and training institution established in 1989, registered by law as a non-profit organization. The main office is located in Ramallah and there are two other branches; one is in Salfeet and the other in Gaza. MA'AN's work is informed by the necessity of creating independent, self-reliant initiatives that lead to the achievement of sustainable development, and which incorporate values of self-sufficiency and self-empowerment. MA'AN especially appreciates the important role women and youth have in society, and therefore strives to enhance and increase their contribution in the community.
MA’AN’s Mission
MA’AN’s mission is to work towards sustainable human development through:
- The development of Palestinian human resources
- Institutional building
- Conducting developmental research
- Creating sustainable agricultural models
The center works towards excellence in its programs and performance, and stresses professionalism and transparency in all its endeavors. As an organization, MA’AN strives to develop itself along these lines both for the intrinsic value they offer to our own work and to act as a model for organizations in the Palestinian community.
MA’AN focuses its training programs on the following groups and sectors:
- NGOs and charitable societies
- Women
- Farmers
- Children
- Agricultural engineers and extension workers
- Enterprises and entrepreneurs
- PNA employees
Objectives
MA’AN’s work recognizes the necessity of creating independent, self-reliant initiatives that achieve sustainable development and incorporate values of self-sufficiency and self-empowerment. With these goals in mind MA’AN pursues the following objectives:
- Development of Palestinian human resources
- Creation of sustainable agricultural models and techniques
- Enhancement of Palestinian women’s skills, knowledge and opportunities
- Increase Palestinian awareness of agricultural and environmental issues
- Empowerment of marginalized sectors within Palestinian society
- Contribution to applied research in the fields
- Enhancement of Palestinian self-reliance through training and income-generating projects
- Strengthen of cooperation and coordination with other Palestinian and international organizations in related fields
- Increase the self-reliance, efficiency professionalism and effectiveness of Palestinian NGOs and grassroots organization.
Values and Principles
- Community development means the right of people to identify their economic, social, and cultural needs; humans are partners in the developmental process.
- Cooperation with the community is a learning process; all parties in it are equal; and no party has a monopoly over knowledge.
- Development is a means not only for economic prosperity but also for human dignity, peace, justice, equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
- Development programs must be based on the social, economic, political and cultural needs and priorities of local communities, in respect to their aspirations, traditions and values.
- Enhancing self-reliance and increasing independence are goals at every level of our work.
- Human beings are the essential basic element and focus of the development process.
- International donors must be partners in the development process, offering their support without preconditions.
- Learning is a right, a human need, and a life-long, continuous process.
- NGOs contribute to the struggle for liberation and to building our civil and democratic society.
- Professionalism, transparency, credibility, and accountability are among the most important elements for success.
- Recognition of gender differences and the specific needs of women in an integral part of our programs and activities.
- Teamwork, collective participation, commitment and cooperation are the key ingredients for success.
- Women are the basic partners in the developmental process; developing women’s attitudes, skills, and knowledge will ensure sustainable human development.
