The refurbished conference hall at the College of Science and Technology-Khan Younis, Gaza.
By Bonnie James/Deputy News Editor
Education is the best way to solve the problems of Gaza, and results would be evident in the long-run, Al Fakhoora’s representative told Gulf Times yesterday.
“The projects implemented in Gaza by Al Fakhoora in co-operation with Qatar Red Crescent are directly supporting the education sector,” Shadi Saleh explained during a video conference from the Palestinian territory.
More than 6,200 students will benefit from the development projects implemented at the College of Science and Technology – KhanYounis ($250,000), Al Quds Open University in Khan Younis - Phase I($850,000), College of Ability Development – Khan Younis ($326,000), and the University College of Applied Sciences (two projects at a cost of $145,330 and $108,000).
“Even the teaching methodology has improved on account of better facilities,” stated medical student Ehab Saleh, while asserting that the change in the quality of education imparted is tangible.
Musallam Abu Khalil, another medical student, pointed out that the educational landscape of Gaza stands changed.
“The grant of scholarships and improved facilities will empower Gazans. We can now experiment with all the latest technologies and have the capacity to put theory into practice,” he said.
One of the initiatives launched in Gaza is a national disability survey, covering all the households in order to ascertain the exact number of residents with disability.
“This is a first for Gaza and the data have been presented to the Ministry of Social Affairs,” Shadi Saleh said.
Al Fakhoora has also been working on improving the soft skills of the Gazan students, as Musallam Abu Khalil pointed out.
“There are courses for creative and critical thinking, improving English skills, and one for professional photography,” he added.