French Consul General visits Birzeit University and signs cooperation agreement
The Consul General of France in Jerusalem, Mr. Rene Troccaz, visited Birzeit University on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Mr. Troccaz met with Birzeit University President Dr. Beshara Doumani and a number of vice presidents, deans, chairpersons and students.
Mr. Troccaz and Dr. Doumani signed a cooperation agreement to enhance the infrastructure of the Faculty of Art, Music and Design. According to the agreement, the French consulate will fund the faculty with €135,000 to commence a bachelor’s program in animation and film production, equip the faculty with cutting-edge equipment and enhance the scientific and artistic knowledge of the academic staff.
Dr. Doumani presented an overview of the university’s history and discussed current projects. He also elaborated on the Israeli violations against Palestinian universities and the Israeli directors that hinder academic exchange and the recruitment of international faculty members.
During a campus tour, the consul visited the Faculty of Art, Music and Design and discussed the new animation and film production program and the Efad scholarship that targets faculty members. He also visited the Faculty of Arts to scope out the current projects and possible needs within the Department of French Language. The parties also discussed enhancing student exchange and research collaboration between Birzeit and French universities.
Moreover, Mr. Troccaz also visited the Faculty of Law and Public Administration and commended the developmental projects implemented by the faculty to promote legal regulations and capacity building as well as the ongoing cooperation between the faculty and French partners. Later, Mr. Troccaz met with students and discussed their educational experiences at Birzeit University in light of the Israeli occupation.
The consul concluded the tour with a visit to the art exhibition Bani Abidi: The Man Who Talked until He Disappeared and expressed his admiration for the cultural scene at Birzeit University.
