The Experience Forum

 

The Experience Forum is a unique community platform under the Ramallah Municipality, designed to foster knowledge exchange among individuals with expertise from various fields, with a special focus on seniors—both women and men—aged 50 and above.

Membership Requirements:

• Must be over 50 years old
• Must have life experience
• Must be willing to engage in volunteer work

You can apply for membership via the following link: Apply Here

For inquiries, contact us via email at: expertise@ramallah.ps 

The forum is located in the Old City of Ramallah and features a building equipped with various tools and spaces designed for knowledge exchange. It includes a library with over 1,000 books, computers, training rooms, audio-visual equipment, comfortable reading spaces, and is surrounded by a beautiful green garden, which has been especially valuable for maintaining social distancing during the pandemic.

Forum Programs and Activities:

The forum’s programs are centered on sharing experiences between its members, who bring a wealth of knowledge and skills, and the youth entering the job market. This exchange is facilitated through various advisory, guidance, and volunteer services that contribute to the development of Ramallah and its community.

Key Elements:

• Methodology: The forum uses an inclusive approach to ensure active participation from both genders.
• Vision: Part of Ramallah Municipality's broader developmental vision, the forum reflects the municipality's commitment to building a transparent, healthy relationship with its citizens and integrating seniors into the social development process.

Specific Goals:

• Empower Seniors: The forum provides a stimulating environment for seniors to share their expertise and engage in diverse life aspects.
• Support Social Change: It aims to use seniors' experiences to contribute to social progress, especially in addressing urgent community issues.
• Promote Active and Healthy Living: The forum encourages seniors to lead active, healthy lives and foster connectedness to their community.

Innovative Initiatives:

• Experience Exchange Program: This pioneering program connects the generations of Ramallah by bridging the knowledge of the past with the aspirations for the future. The program involves workshops, open dialogues, and training sessions where the experiences of senior members are shared with people of all ages, including youth eager to gain new knowledge and skills.

Notable Courses and Workshops:

1. The Artist’s Path Course:
   A creative course based on Julia Cameron's book, helping participants unlock their creative energy through writing, drawing, music, and more.
2. How to Start My Own Business:
   A course focused on entrepreneurship, providing youth with the skills to create their own businesses, from market research to project design.
3. Creative and Journalistic Writing:
   A course for honing creative writing and journalistic skills, encouraging participants to express themselves effectively through words.
4. Language Courses:
   Courses in Arabic, English, Spanish, French, and Hebrew, improving communication skills and enhancing employment opportunities.
5. Photography Training:
   A course that teaches how to use light to capture professional images and express creativity through photography.

Volunteerism and Community Engagement:

The forum also promotes volunteerism among seniors, providing them with a chance to contribute their valuable experience to various community projects. Seniors are encouraged to participate in teaching, environmental initiatives, cultural events, and social development programs.

Volunteer Opportunities include:

• Education: Helping students, offering tutoring, and overseeing school activities.
• Environment: Participating in environmental clean-up, tree planting, and raising awareness about environmental issues.
• Culture: Organizing cultural events, including festivals and awareness programs.
• Social Development: Assisting people with disabilities, orphans, and low-income families.

Senior Development Programs:

The forum emphasizes continuous learning for seniors, offering various programs aimed at improving skills in technology, social media, film editing, writing, and more.

Program Objectives:
The program aims to promote lifelong learning by encouraging seniors to continue developing their skills and passions. It seeks to combat idleness by offering engaging activities that enrich their lives and provide opportunities for personal growth. Additionally, the program fosters social interaction, helping to strengthen social bonds and create a supportive community and meaningful exchange.

Activities Include:

• Technology Training: Teaching seniors how to use computers, the internet, and social media.
• Film Editing Workshops: Offering training in producing short films.
• Book Club: Reading and discussing various literary works.
• Film Club: Watching and analyzing films together.
• Discussions on Literature and History: Engaging in thought-provoking dialogues.

Health and Wellness Program:

The Journey of Growth and Joy program is designed to enhance the physical, mental, and social well-being of seniors in Ramallah. Activities include fitness routines, yoga, group singing, social outings, and seasonal gatherings. The program also prioritizes mental health by providing activities such as music and travel, which help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Additionally, the program further creates opportunities for social interaction, allowing seniors to engage with one another, build new friendships, and foster a sense of community.

Outcomes and Achievements:

The Experience Forum has successfully:

• Created a dynamic space for seniors to share their knowledge.
• Empowered seniors to actively participate in community life.
• Strengthened their sense of belonging and well-being.

The forum is a model for senior empowerment, inspiring similar initiatives and contributing to the creation of inclusive communities that value and benefit from the experience of all their members.