The Arab American University and the Faqqou’a Village Council announced the official launch of the EFAQQUA app, a distinguished graduation project by engineering students Yazeed Abu Salameh and Fayza Weld Ali, specializing in computer systems engineering. The app represents a significant leap forward in digitizing the village council's services and delivering them to citizens in a modern and user-friendly manner.
The announcement was made during an event held in Faqqou’a village, attended by Dr. Laila Herzallah, Assistant to the University President for Community Affairs; Dr. Mahmoud Obeid, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Mr. Barakat Al-Omari, Head of the Faqqou’a Village Council; Dr. Assem Salah, an academic in the Faculty of Engineering and the project supervisor; Dr. Mays Awad, Director General of the Hassib Sabbagh IT Center of Excellence at the University; as well as a number of academics, members of the village council, and residents of the village.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Barakat Al-Omari, Head of the Faqqou’a Village Council, affirmed that the launch of the application represents a significant step towards digital transformation. He noted that the Village Council is transitioning from traditional methods to modern technological approaches to streamline transactions and expedite service delivery to citizens.
He explained that this achievement reflects the Council's belief in the importance of digitizing services and in the capabilities of young people. He also commended the partnership with the Arab American University and the role of the Faculty of Engineering and its talented students in translating knowledge into practical tools that serve the local community.
For her part, Dr. Laila Herzallah explained that the project's launch stems from the Arab American University's commitment to its social responsibility and its efforts to enhance student participation in serving the local community and contributing to sustainable development.
She pointed out that the AFQQUA application serves as a prime example of effective partnership between the University and local institutions, leveraging academic and technical expertise to produce innovative solutions that meet citizens' needs. She emphasized the importance of supporting such initiatives that foster integration between academic institutions and the community.
For his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Mahmoud Obeid, affirmed that the faculty continues to prepare creative students capable of developing practical solutions to societal problems. He noted that this project reflects the students' spirit of initiative and ambition and embodies the role of the Arab American University in driving change and building an active generation that contributes to development.
He also commended the cooperation of the Faqqou'a Village Council and its trust in the University and its students, urging the villagers to engage with the application and benefit from its services. He pointed out that the village council is the first in Jenin Governorate and the fourth in the West Bank to utilize digital services.
During the event, graduates Yazeed Abu Salameh and Fayza Weld Ali presented a detailed overview of the project, explaining that the Faqqou'a Village Council was chosen due to a genuine need, a clear vision for development, and a supportive environment for the idea.
They explained that the application consists of three main parts; the first component is a smartphone application that allows citizens to submit application forms and complete transactions electronically, such as water and electricity subscriptions, reserving council halls, submitting complaints, accessing council news and announcements, viewing the water distribution schedule, and receiving notifications via the application or SMS.
The second component is an electronic dashboard for village council employees, enabling them to manage and track applications efficiently. The third component focuses on simulating a water quality monitoring and control system, which will contribute to enhanced control and improved services for citizens.
The two graduates indicated that the next step in the project is to convert electricity and water top-up services to fully electronic services through the application, saving citizens time and effort as well as increasing the village council's collection efficiency.
At the end of the event, Dr. Mahmoud Obeid, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Mr. Barakat Al-Omari, Head of the Faqqoua Village Council, pressed the official launch button for the application, successfully sending it to the phones of Faqqoua village residents, marking the beginning of a new phase of digital services in the village.
