Workshops for Birzeit University Law Students, Linking Legal Knowledge with Practical Application

Workshops for Birzeit University Law Students, Linking Legal Knowledge with Practical Application
As part of its efforts to strengthen legal awareness among law students and bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, the Palestinian Maintenance Fund (PMF), in cooperation with the Legal Clinic at the Faculty of Law and Public Administration of Birzeit University, conducted two legal awareness workshops during August 2026. The workshops targeted students enrolled in two different academic courses and were supported by Sawasya 3.

The first workshop was held on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, for students enrolled in the “Enforcement Law” course. It focused on “Sharia Enforcement Procedures”, with the aim of introducing students to the practical aspects of Sharia enforcement procedures, the relevant institutions and stakeholders, and the mechanisms and procedures governing related work. The session sought to strengthen students’ legal knowledge and deepen their understanding of the practical application of the concepts addressed in the course. The workshop was delivered by PMF lawyer Ms. Ibtehal Abu Suleiman.

The second workshop was held on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, for students enrolled in the “Human Rights and Gender” course. Entitled “The Right to Maintenance and Social Protection from a Human Rights and Gender Perspective,” the workshop aimed to strengthen students’ understanding of the right to maintenance and social protection and to examine this right within the broader human rights framework, with particular attention to the principles of equality and non-discrimination and the impact of gender on access to rights and social protection. The workshop was delivered by PMF lawyer Ms. Majd Khalaileh.

In addition to the specialized topics addressed within each course, both workshops introduced students to the Palestinian Maintenance Fund, its mandate, services, and beneficiary groups, as well as the procedures for accessing its services and programs. Particular attention was given to the Legal Aid Program, including free legal consultations, legal representation and advocacy, follow-up on the enforcement of maintenance judgments, and implementation of visitation and hosting decisions. These services contribute to strengthening access to justice and legal protection for individuals and families most in need.

The two workshops form part of the ongoing cooperation between the Palestinian Maintenance Fund and Birzeit University, under the cooperation agreement concluded between the two institutions. The partnership seeks to strengthen collaboration in areas related to legal awareness, training, and practical learning, enabling students at the Faculty of Law and Public Administration to gain a broader understanding of the work of national institutions and the legal and social services they provide, while connecting academic knowledge with practical experience and professional practice.