Monthly Archives: April 2023

Improving Education to Drive Down Unemployment in Palestine

The Palestinian population is very young, with a third of the population between the ages of 15 and 29. With this population growing rapidly, there is an increasing level of stress on the country’s infrastructure and social services due to a very high youth unemployment rate. Currently, youth unemployment lies at 40%, increasing to 55% for university graduates, and increasing even higher to 60% for women as well as for youth in Gaza (GIZ, 2021).

The fact that development and opportunities for youth in Palestine also depend on the political situation as well as whether they can move freely, even within their own country, presents a graver challenge to youth development than elsewhere in the world. Limited freedom of movement has traditionally resulted in limited opportunities thereby fuelling unequal economic growth between Palestine and the rest of the world, as well as within Palestine, contributing towards a lack of social cohesion.

Furthermore, even though Palestine has a high literacy rate and a high tertiary education level among its population, the United Nations Development Programme emphasized in their 2017 report the especially large skills gap between the university education that students receive and the demands of local and international labor markets (UNDP, 2017: 13). This again points to the need for proper education that is relevant to market needs and includes practical training, as well as access to mentors and global networks that will help to absorb the growing workforce (UNDP, 2017: 18).

Redressing Youth Unemployment in Palestine

Although the occupation constrains the movement of Palestinians, we must search for solutions to reduce its impact on the opportunities available to Palestinians and their chances for socioeconomic prosperity. The digital economy presents such an opportunity.

The Talent Acceleration Platform (TAP), a Dutch-Palestinian company, is investing in a tech ecosystem in the region by offering programs in web development, business-to-business technology sales, as well as digital marketing – thereby aligning with the demands of Industrial 4.0 and Industrial 5.0. According to the UNDP, demand-driven upskilling is the key to driving down unemployment and this is exactly what TAP is doing with its specialized training programs (UNDP, 2017: 38).

The programs teach students all the technical skills needed for these in-demand digital roles while at the same time empowering them with soft skills through an integrated Power Skills curriculum. This curriculum builds students’ communication and personal branding skills, as well as their confidence, growth mindsets, entrepreneurship mentalities, and overall job-readiness. Coupled with an internship period to put the acquired knowledge into practice, as well as mentorship for career guidance, support, and motivation; TAP’s programs represent the quality education that is currently lacking at universities to bridge the skills gap between education and employment.

As an innovative tech company on the forefront of the digital economy, all of TAP’s training takes place online. This ensures that the physical barriers propped up by the occupation to constrain the movement of Palestinians does not hinder access to the programs nor their potential for successful and vibrant futures. In fact, access to the programs is further supported by income sharing agreements (ISA) that make it possible for Palestinian youth to join the programs for free and only pay for the cost of training once they have landed jobs and are earning over a certain threshold.

Income sharing agreements are a great way for impact companies and social entrepreneurs to make investments in the futures of youth across the world. Not only do they ensure full access to the programs regardless of the socioeconomic backgrounds of students, but they also drive mutual collaboration between companies and students. It double-motivates companies to provide the best demand-driven education and to effectively partner graduates with hiring companies, while enabling the longevity of the company.

Over the last year, the Talent Acceleration Platform has already provided over one hundred students with quality education, training and internships in web development and business-to-business tech sales and has a placement rate of 80% for connecting TAP graduates to in-demand jobs at international companies. TAP’s mission for 2023 is to train a further 200 youth for finding remote jobs in Palestine, recognizing that a targeted investment in education truly is the most sustainable path to upward socioeconomic mobility and empowerment for youth. At the same time, TAP continues to shine a light on the incredible talent that is readily available in Palestine, working to ensure the integration of the growing Palestinian labor force into the local and international markets.

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Overcoming Sales Issues with Effective Sales Mentorship and Training

Sales mentorship is an important aspect of sales training that helps salespeople overcome sales issues and improve their performance. In this article, we will discuss some common sales issues and how sales mentorship, combined with effective training, can help address them.

Sales mentorship is a relationship between an experienced sales professional and a less experienced salesperson. The mentor provides guidance, feedback, and support to help the mentee improve their sales skills and achieve their sales targets. Sales mentorship can be a formal or informal relationship, and it can take place in person or remotely.

  1. Lack of Product Knowledge One of the most common sales issues is a lack of product knowledge. Salespeople who do not know their products well may struggle to answer customer questions or provide relevant information that would persuade the customer to buy. This is where product training and sales mentorship come in handy. By providing salespeople with comprehensive product training and pairing them with a mentor who is knowledgeable about the products or services, businesses can ensure that their sales team knows everything they need to know about their products or services. Mentors can provide guidance and support, sharing their own experiences and offering feedback on areas that need improvement.
  2. Ineffective Communication Effective communication is a key component of sales success. Salespeople who are unable to communicate effectively with customers may struggle to sell products or services. This could be due to a lack of communication skills or language barriers. Sales training that focuses on improving communication skills can help address this issue. However, sales mentorship can provide an added layer of support. Sales mentor can help salespeople improve their communication skills by providing feedback and guidance on their delivery, tone, and approach. They can also teach salespeople how to ask the right questions to uncover customer needs and preferences.
  3. Poor Time Management Salespeople who are unable to manage their time effectively may struggle to meet their targets. This could be due to poor planning or a lack of prioritization skills. Time management training can help salespeople manage their time effectively by teaching them how to prioritize tasks, plan their day, and manage their workload. However, sales mentorship can provide an added level of accountability and support. Sales mentors can help salespeople create a daily routine and schedule that allows them to focus on important tasks and achieve their sales targets. They can also provide guidance on how to stay motivated and focused throughout the day.
  4. Inability to Close Deals Salespeople who are unable to close deals may be lacking in persuasive skills. This could be due to a lack of confidence or poor negotiation skills. Sales training that focuses on improving persuasive skills can help address this issue. However, sales mentorship can provide an added level of support and guidance. Sales mentors can help salespeople improve their sales technique by providing feedback on their pitch and approach. They can teach salespeople how to build rapport with customers, understand their needs, and address their concerns. They can also provide guidance on negotiation and closing techniques.
  5. Failure to Follow-Up Salespeople who fail to follow up with customers may miss out on potential sales. This could be due to a lack of organization or time management skills. Follow-up training can help salespeople improve their follow-up skills by teaching them how to organize their customer database, set reminders, and track progress. However, sales mentorship can provide an added level of support and accountability. Sales mentors can help salespeople improve their follow-up skills by teaching them how to stay organized and keep track of customer interactions. They can also provide guidance on the appropriate frequency and method of follow-up, whether it’s through email, phone, or in-person.

In conclusion, sales mentorship is a valuable tool that can help salespeople overcome common sales issues and improve their performance. When combined with effective sales training, sales mentorship can provide salespeople with the

Filipino Adobo Recipe and History

Filipino Adobo is a popular dish in Filipino cuisine, made with meat (usually pork or chicken) that is marinated in a sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices before being slow-cooked until tender. The dish is known for its strong, tangy, and savory flavor profile, and it is a staple in many Filipino households and restaurants.

The exact origins of Adobo are not clear, but it is believed to have been a cooking method used by indigenous Filipinos to preserve meat. The Spanish colonialists who arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century then adapted the dish by adding vinegar and other spices to the mix, creating the version of Adobo that is popular today.

Adobo can be made with various cuts of meat, including chicken, pork, beef, or even fish. The meat is typically marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper, among other spices, for several hours or even overnight. The meat is then simmered in the marinade until it becomes tender and flavorful.

There are many variations of Adobo, and each region of the Philippines has its own unique take on the dish. Some versions use coconut milk or sugar to balance out the tangy flavor, while others add chili peppers for a spicy kick. Some even use vinegar made from coconut or sugarcane instead of the more traditional distilled white vinegar.

Adobo is usually served with steamed rice, and the leftover sauce from the cooking process is often used as a condiment or dipping sauce. Some variations of Adobo are also popular as street food, with vendors selling it on skewers or as a filling for sandwiches or tacos.

In addition to being delicious, Adobo is also known for its long shelf life, making it a practical and convenient dish for Filipinos to prepare and enjoy at any time.

Adobo is also a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold, making it a popular choice for packed lunches or as a leftover meal. It is also often used as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, or even empanadas.

Aside from its taste and practicality, Adobo is also known for its health benefits. Vinegar, one of the main ingredients in Adobo, is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an effective preservative for the meat. Additionally, the dish is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and is gluten-free, making it a great choice for people who are on a low-carb or gluten-free diet.

Adobo has also become a cultural icon for Filipinos all over the world, with many Filipino restaurants and food trucks serving their own unique versions of the dish. In fact, Adobo has become so popular that it has been featured on international food shows and competitions.

So, Filipino Adobo is a delicious and iconic dish that has become a cultural staple for Filipinos all over the world. Its unique flavor profile, practicality, and health benefits make it a beloved dish that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Here’s a simple recipe for Filipino Adobo that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

2 lbs. pork belly or chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

1/2 cup vinegar

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup water

1 head of garlic (minced)

3 bay leaves

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the vinegar, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns.
  2. Add the pork or chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure that they are completely coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
  3. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork or chicken to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes or until browned on all sides.
  4. Pour in the marinade and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the meat simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked.
  5. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Turn up the heat and let the sauce simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened.
  6. Return the meat to the pot and mix it with the thickened sauce.
  7. Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy!

Note: You can adjust the amount of vinegar, soy sauce, and water based on your personal taste preferences. You can also add other ingredients such as sugar, coconut milk, or chili peppers to add more depth of flavor to the dish.

Filipino Adobo is a beloved and iconic dish that is rich in history, culture, and flavor. Its unique blend of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices has made it a staple in Filipino cuisine and a popular dish all over the world. Adobo is a versatile dish that can be made with various types of meat and can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, Adobo is a simple and delicious dish that you can easily make at home with just a few ingredients. With its practicality, health benefits, and cultural significance, Filipino Adobo is a dish that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.