Research journalism initiative leadership training institute
Each summer, RJI brings together a motivated group of International and Palestinian university students and faculty in Nablus in order to critically investigate the context and reality of the Occupation of Palestine. Conducted in partnership with An Najah National University in Nablus, the Leadership Training Institute (LTI) is a unique opportunity for Palestinians and Internationals alike to connect to the places, symbols and people affected by the enduring Middle East conflict.
Participants benefit from the insight of a diverse range of experts and educators on matters of regional political geography, land issues - including Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank, trans-border and shared water resources, Palestinian political prisoners, international legal perspectives on the West Bank separation barrier and the history and future of the various political frameworks for conflict resolution. Participants visit sites of significance in Nablus and other areas of the West Bank, and participate in workshops and training seminars designed to empower them to carry on RJI’s mission and facilitate additional activities throughout the year.
The LTI is an important part of our efforts to help students to explore openly, think critically, and, ultimately, go out into the world to define themselves and the issues they will commit themselves to. To open young people’s hearts and to show them something new and difficult, to empower and inspire them as they question, and to help them find constructive and collaborative ways to direct their responses — that is the definition of education and the foundation of the Research Journalism Initiative’s mission.