Education is one of the many casualties of the Occupation.
Mohammed, a talented computer science student, was studying at the Islamic University, in Gaza, until the Faculty was damaged during Operation Cast Lead eighteen months ago.
Like many Palestinians and Gazans he speaks excellent English and has been an invaluable help to MPs and Peers whenever they have visited. Jenny Tonge, visiting Gaza over the last two years, has relied on his help and kept in touch with him.
A few months ago Mohammed emailed Jenny Tonge, to express his despair that he would never be able to complete his degree if the Gaza siege continued. He asked whether there were any universities in the UK who might offer him a place on a scholarship programme.
Jenny had recently been lobbied by a retired academic wishing to set up a scholarship fund for Palestinian students to study in the UK: now she approached him for help.
Thanks to Jenny’s intervention, Mohammed has received an offer from a British University for him to enter the second year of the degree course. Peers and friends in the business community raised funds to cover the cost of the two years’ fees and maintenance.
He suffered the inevitable visa delays, and even when this was obtained with the invaluable help of the UK Consul in Jerusalem, had to wait four days at the Rafah crossing, before waiting another twenty hours for a flight at Cairo Airport.
Mohammed is still unable to believe that he is really in the UK. But he is happily involved with student life and has resumed his studies.
Jenny hopes, that for one young person at least, it makes up for the Balfour Declaration!
Names have been kept to a minimum and Mohammed is not the student’s real name. Funds are still needed for his second year. Please contact us (info@ldfp.eu) if you wish to contribute.
