Virtual, 18 June 2025 — The EPISODE project concluded its three-year journey with a vibrant online closing event, bringing together over 40 participants from across Palestine and Europe to celebrate the spirit of innovation, digital transformation, and youth-led social entrepreneurship.
The webinar—“A Success Story: EPISODE Closing Event”—marked the culmination of a multi-partner initiative co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. Implemented by UNIMED, Birzeit University, An-Najah National University, BuildPalestine, and ALL DIGITAL, the project empowered over 50 young entrepreneurs and students in Palestine with the tools and mindset to create meaningful change in their communities.
Moderated by Sara Pittarello of UNIMED, the 90-minute event took participants on a reflective and hopeful journey through EPISODE’s milestones. Opening remarks by Sara Pittarello and Cristina Stefanelli (UNIMED) set the tone for a celebration of resilience and achievement amid the many challenges facing young people in Palestine.
Lama Amr (BuildPalestine) provided a compelling overview of the project vision: to strengthen Palestine’s social entrepreneurship sector by equipping young changemakers with digital and business skills. Whether through creating new digital solutions or enhancing existing initiatives, the goal was to increase impact and efficiency.
Rania Qader (Birzeit University) walked attendees through the EPISODE timeline—from the creation of the Digital Social Entrepreneurship Competence Framework, to the Training of Trainers, and finally the launch of YEPISODE, a digital course tailored specifically for Palestinian youth.
Student Pitches: Turning Learning into Action
A key highlight of the event was the live project pitches by YEPISODE students, demonstrating how the training translated into real-world impact.
🔹 Mohammed Musa (Birzeit University) introduced SEEN, a youth-led network that develops educational and training tools using learning-through-play methodologies. The project emphasizes local cultural engagement while making learning more interactive and accessible for young people.
🔹 Muna Hanna (Birzeit University) presented “بيئي” (Environmental)—an initiative to install public water stations providing free, clean drinking water in public spaces. Each station features a digital screen displaying environmental and social awareness content, promoting sustainable behavior and reducing plastic waste.
Trainers’ Reflections
Trainers from An-Najah and Birzeit Universities—including Ola Anabtawi, Faten Akkawi, Nidal Ewidat, and Sari Taha—shared reflections on the YEPISODE learning journey. They highlighted the depth of training they received through the ITC-ILO Training Week in June 2024 in Turin, as well as the enthusiasm, creativity, and adaptability of the students—many of whom have continued to develop their ideas beyond the course.
Recognising Innovation Across Universities
In her closing remarks, Sara Pittarello celebrated the achievements of students from both universities and acknowledged the support that helped turn their ideas into action.
At Birzeit, five projects were awarded prizes across three tiers, including cash awards, laptops, and training opportunities—sponsored by the Housing Bank, Palestine Monetary Authority, and PENGON.
At An-Najah, the winning teams received study visits to the University of Barcelona, incubation opportunities, and a €5,000 grant, with further backing from the Higher Council for Innovation and Excellence, PARC, and the Palestinian Fund for Employment.
These recognitions not only celebrated student innovation but also provided meaningful next steps for scaling their social and digital entrepreneurship initiatives.
What’s Next
While the EPISODE project officially concludes, its legacy is just beginning. In their closing words, Rania Qader and Munqez Shtaya shared that both universities plan to integrate the YEPISODE course into their digital learning platforms—ensuring continued access for future cohorts of students. The tools, partnerships, and momentum sparked by EPISODE will continue to shape the Palestinian social entrepreneurship landscape for years to come.