The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) launched an on-the-job professional training programme. Targeting 21 village councils, the programme aims at enhancing financial and administrative performance, and strengthen staff capacity, of these village councils. Accounting and financial management experts will provide direct on-the-job support and guidance to village council staff. This activity is part of the Sub-grants Initiative to implement development projects in the so-called Area C. Implemented by APLA, the initiative is co-funded by the European Union and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

By this training module, APLA seeks to empower village council staff in multiple financial areas, ensuring proper financial procedures. Integrated fiscal year 2025 budgets will be prepared in line with the development priorities of each council to fulfil local community needs and aspirations. To this end, public consultations will be held with local community representatives to promote a participatory approach to governance and enable citizens’ direct engagement in public financial management and utilisation of public resources.

The programme reflects APLA’s firm commitment to support and develop the capacities of local government units, ensure sustainable service delivery, and achieve comprehensive development throughout local communities. It also builds on the efforts to achieve APLA’s strategic objectives, namely, to contribute to improving LGU performance to provide equitable and inclusive services, strengthening LGU financial stability, and strengthening the capacities of LGUs in the so-called Area C.