Empowering Mediterranean communities through- participatory governance and collaborative social service networks
Background & Rationale
CLOSER aims to promote participatory models of governance by establishing territorial "proximity networks" within Italy, Spain, Greece, Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon, connecting all actors involved at different level in the governance of identified areas being public authorities, third sector organisations and other stakeholders offering social services for the local population. The creation of these networks aims at improving cooperation for the provision of social services with a higher level of respondence to real needs and opportunities of the involved contexts, thanks to the participation of all concerned actors and a consequent closeness of the delivered services to the individuals to whom they are directed. The local networks facilitate dialogue and cooperation, transparency and more effective and inclusive services’ delivery. The goal is to connect and build the capacity of these networks in jointly design solutions and models to provide social services, planned and delivered through participatory models of governance. To build an effective response to the above-mentioned issues, in fact, it is fundamental to act locally and involve the citizenry in co-constructing solutions that can benefit the entire population. The local governance’s policy-oriented literature assumes that promoting participatory governance and reforming institutions and processes are the key elements to the improvement of human development” (Jari, 2010). Local governments often struggle to implement strategies that serve all citizens, leading to low public involvement in decision-making processes and trust in government is particularly low in the MENA region (OECD, 2023). CLOSER will both connect and strengthen cooperation between public authorities and stakeholders and improve their capacity in design and delivery social services through participatory models of governance, in line with the objectives of Interreg NEXT MED program and especially ISO 1.6.1, thus empowering MED communities for a sustainable development.
Proximity Networks
To build networks of territorial “proximity in all involved regions, connecting all actors at different level in the governance of identified areas, focusing on public authorities, third sector organisations and other stakeholders offering social services for the local population in order to improve the cooperation for the provision of social services with a higher level of respondence to real needs of the involve context.
Participatory Governance
To improve the institutional capacities of public authorities and other stakeholders, training them in becoming facilitators of participatory processes, thus promoting transparent governance models for the co-design and management of social services for the well-being of their citizens.
Participatory Model
To develop and pilot a stratefical model for implementing participatory processes in the governance of the social sector. Specifically, to plan and implement a pilot initiative in the involved areas , consisiting of the provision of a social service responding to an identified local need, putting into practice participatory governance approaches and technices
Impact Evaluation
To evaluate the outcomes reached by the implementation of the co-designed social services on the population and the development of a final document, collecting lessons learned from the pilot experience and guidelines for replicability.
EUROTraining is one of the largest Greek educational organisations of national scope, specialised in the provision of VET courses at tertiary level, as well as various other training opportunities for adults
Its main objective is to bridge the gap between labour market demand and offer, thus its services are highly adaptive to reflect the constantly changing circumstances. At the core of its activities, EUROTraining strives for inclusive education, particularly caring for people in vulnerable positions, through its participation in both national and EU-funded Projects. EUROTraining is considered a leading VET centre in terms of digital transformation of education and training, since its innovative methods are widely recognised at national and European level. The organisation’s great impact on Greece’s VET sector is to a large extend due to the wide variety of training offers developed and provided (EQF levels 3-5). Among these, some of the most notable are the courses in: informatics and IT science, business management and entrepreneurship, environmental science and energy, tourism and hospitality services, culinary arts, educational science, and others. It also provides tailor made courses for professionals, including training for adults’ trainers, seminars on food hygiene and safety, and training for Data Protection Officers. Every year, more than 2.000 trainees choose EUROTraining for quality and applicable education and training.
https://eurotraining.gr/
The University of Alicante was found in 1979 and today it hosts more than 29.000 students
The University of Alicante was founded in 1979 and today it hosts more than 29.000 students 2.500 of them are international students and offers more than 39 undergraduate and 78 postgraduate programmes: consequently, it is proportionally the fastest growing and one of the most innovative universities in Spain. The University houses 227 research groups in Social and Legal Sciences, Experimental Services, Technological Sciences, Human Sciences, Education and Health Sciences and 17 Research Institutes. The University employs over 2.600 researchers / professors and administrative staff. The UA is firmly interlinked with its socio-economic environment, it is considered to be a point of reference for many companies to which it provides technical assistance, student training programmes and continuous programmes and participates, as partner or coordinator, in a large number of research cooperation projects from different funding programmes, such as: H2020, COSME, LIFE +, DAAD, ERASMUS+ etc. Its particular field of interest lies within the context of international cooperation and the training of university management staff to contribute to the development of their international status and networks.
https://www.ua.es/
JUHOUD for Community and Rural Development is a non-profit organization in Palestine committed to raising awareness and helping marginalized individuals in need.
The goal is to catalyze positive change by facilitating access to education, employment opportunities, and vital resources, empowering individuals to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Acknowledging the unique circumstances of each person, we advocate for those whose voices have gone unheard, striving to be their advocates. The primary focus is on empowering youth, women, and marginalized communities through initiatives promoting socio-economic and civic engagement. With a dedication to generating sustainable impact, we aim to uplift local communities and pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all. We firmly believe in the inherent right of every individual to access quality education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and a promising future. Through close collaboration with our partners, we lead efforts in implementing development interventions and initiatives aimed at unlocking the full potential of individuals and communities. Together, we tirelessly work towards creating a world where every person can thrive, unrestricted by barriers and limitations.
https://juhoud.ps/en/
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) was founded in 2008 in Amman, Jordan
to contribute to forming a new renaissance project in the Arab world, grounded in the fundamental issues concerning Arab affairs, within their local, regional, and international contexts, prioritizing independence and authenticity and steering clear of colonial influences. The aim is to realize the aspirations and endeavors of the Arab people for democracy, development, and social justice. This involves active participation in the Arab reform, modernization, and development agenda, influencing public policies that shape transformations in the Arab world and its surroundings. scientific research projects, and practical solutions. This contribution is facilitated through implementing development programs, scientific research projects, and practical solutions. ARDD´s overarching vision is an Arab world in which all people enjoy fair, inclusive, and sustainable rights and opportunities. ARDD primarily operates in Jordan. At the same time, and in line with its vision and mission, ARDD’s programs, projects and research cover other countries in the Arab world. It is supported and funded by a growing number of donors, international agencies, and NGOs.
https://ardd-jo.org/
Moukhtara Municipality is located in Lebanon and has existed since at least 1913
Moukhtara Municipality is located in Lebanon and has existed since at least 1913 1913 (oldest tangible evidence) although many Elder’s in Moukhtara remember that the municipality existed since the beginning of the twentieth century. It constitutes a regional public administration with expertise in sustainability urban planning and valorisation of local resources, coordinating a network of 13 municipalities in the region of High Chouf.
https://moukhtara.gov.lb/