Al Fakhoora, a Qatar-based organisation for promoting education in Palestine and Islamic Development Bank (IDB) have announced a comprehensive scholarship programme for Palestinian students in Gaza.
The first phase of the programme, at a cost of $2.4mn, will provide full scholarship to 100 Palestinians for a period of up to five years for higher education.
“This is the first stage of an initiative to develop the academic and professional potential of the Palestinian youth,” a spokesman said. The plan is a result of tripartite agreement between Al Fakhoora, the IDB and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The initiative is implemented by HH Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad, Unesco Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education, to protect and support education in Gaza.
Al Fakhoora scholarship programme will focus in the fields of English, business, social science, science and medicine.
Farooq Burney, project director of Al Fakhoora, told reporters that the scholarship was an important effort to build the kind of higher education capacity critical to the development of Palestine.
He said: “We are enthusiastic to see this project moving forward and expect great results from our partnership with IDB and UNDP in equipping Palestinian students for a brighter future.”
He said that the programme was only the beginning. “We are committed to an ongoing campaign to accomplish much more in developing the academic and professional capacity of the Palestinian youth.”
Officials said that Al Fakhoora has mobilised a team of mentors and social workers to support the beneficiaries of the scholarships in addition to providing them with full financial support for their studies.
Adviser in HH Sheikha Mozah’s office, Jacqueline O’Rourke, said: “We are dedicated to supporting the higher education of Palestinian students, as well as asserting the right to education into the contemporary discourse on the Palestinian issue. As such, we are aware that it takes more than mere financial backing to ensure that successful development of these future thinkers and leaders.”
Mansour bin Feten of the IDB said: “Our bank is honoured to co-sponsor this programme with Al Fakhoora.” |
