The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) concluded the activities of the “SDGs Stories” program through a closing event held at Deir Ibze’ Girls Secondary School in Deir Ibze’ village, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education, Deir Ibze’ Village Council, APLA, and several local community institutions.
The closing ceremony featured a variety of educational and awareness-raising activities showcasing the outcomes of the program. These included an educational play highlighting the concept of meaningful education and its role in shaping the future, performed in the school theater that was rehabilitated with support from APLA. Additional activities focused on environmental protection and the importance of water conservation. Students also presented innovative artistic works and educational models made from recycled materials.
School Principal Nivine Al-Khatib expressed her pride in the experience, noting that the rehabilitation of the school theater represents a valuable addition to the school’s learning environment. She also praised the contribution of partners, teachers, and students in ensuring the success of the activities.
For her part, Eng. Ohoud Enaia, Director of Programs and Policies at APLA, emphasized the importance of investing in students through support for educational and environmental initiatives, as well as strengthening partnerships between local authorities and schools to promote sustainability concepts.
In the same context, Mr. Muhannad Othman, Head of Deir Ibze’ Village Council, stressed the importance of continued support for educational institutions as a cornerstone of local community development and highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation between schools and the community.
Mr. Mohammad Salem from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education commended the quality of the activities and their role in developing students’ skills while reinforcing environmental and educational values.
These activities fall within APLA’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development concepts among students through practical and interactive approaches by providing a supportive and creativity-driven educational environment. The initiative also aims to strengthen cooperation between schools and LGUs, contribute to developing students’ teamwork skills, and reinforce the values of belonging and national identity.

The activities were funded by ESCWA, and the project “Mobilizing the Capacities of Palestinian LGUs around Knowledge Exchange and Adaptation to the SDGs Goals,” funded by GIZ.