IR4 Skills Development

In 2015, PSD expanded its programming towards the integration of technology, particularly coding, to reinforce ICT, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork as core skill among Palestinian students. Innovative projects such as iCode introduced coding skills to middle and high school students throughout the West Bank and Gaza who had limited or no previous exposure. ICT themed projects utilize a two tiered training approach where PSD trains university students who in turn train younger students. By the end of the training youth not only learn coding skills but also gain problem solving skills, digital confidence, and a better understanding of their communities due to the integration of civic engagement and design thinking concepts in the project design.

PSD implemented several successful cycles of iCode and will continue training new cohorts of students, ensuring the sustainability of the project and its wide reach among Palestinian students. Other projects that focused on IR4 skills included TechCamp, Internet of Things training, and Polyup.