As part of the ‘Rebuilding Hope for Gaza’ project, the EAA Foundation has facilitated the admission of eight students to the University of Derby in Qatar, with plans to bring a total of 100 Palestinian students from the Gaza Strip to Qatar for higher education within the next six months.
The Education Above All Foundation revealed plans to bring 100 Palestinian students from the Gaza Strip to Qatar in the next six months to pursue higher education.
As part of the “Rebuilding Hope for Gaza” project, the EAA Foundation has facilitated the admission of eight students to the University of Derby in Qatar, with plans to bring a total of 100 Palestinian students from the Gaza Strip to Qatar for higher education within the next six months.
The students will be enrolled in various Qatari universities based on their field of interest and availability.
Applicant eligibility
To be eligible for the “Rebuilding Hope for Gaza” project, applicants are required to have a high school GPA of at least 90 percent, complete two academic years of university education in the Gaza Strip, demonstrate proficiency in English, and commit to returning to Gaza for at least 10 years after completing their studies.
The program offers opportunities in various fields of study such as Human Medicine, Medical Studies, Engineering, Information Technology, and other specialties. Admission criteria include a high university GPA, with specific requirements tailored to each field of study.
The initiative seeks to promote educational development and resilience among youth impacted by the ongoing situation in Gaza, contributing to the rebuilding of Gaza and Palestine.
Candidates who successfully meet the criteria will be notified of their acceptance through email or telephone as the process unfolds.
Comprehensive approach
Talal Alhathal, the executive director of the Al-Fakhoora program, emphasized to Gulf Times the emphasis on national universities, particularly UDST and Qatar University, for admitting the highest number of students. Disciplines such as medicine, engineering, IT, and other technical programs are given priority.
The Al-Fakhoora program takes a comprehensive approach that goes beyond academic support, providing psycho-social and trauma support, as well as contributing to educational facilities in Gaza.
Completing education
“We hope that with our support, these students will be able to complete their education and rebuild Gaza and Palestine for the better,” said Alathal.
In the past 10 days since initiating the scholarship applications, Alhathal mentioned that they have received over 200 applications. Their plan is to accommodate 100 students in the next six months.
He also revealed that their team in Gaza is set to commence an in-person application process for the scholarship program, expecting a further increase in the number of applications.
The scholarship, covering educational fees, housing, and transportation, is intended to assist students in the reconstruction efforts of Gaza.
Discussions are in progress with various international universities in Qatar to broaden scholarship opportunities, according to Alhathal.
Opportunities for all
Qatar Finance and Business Academy has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Education Above All Foundation to create education opportunities for underprivileged students of both genders. The initiative is intended to enhance community partnerships and to increase the student body of QFBA, in alignment with its mission to expand access to high-quality education.
The agreement centers around offering scholarships through the Qatar scholarships program to enable these students to further their higher education at QFBA, in conjunction with Northumbria University. Both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are included in the agreement.
The agreement was officially signed by QFBA CEO, Khalifa Al Salhi Al Yafei, and Talal Al Hudhal, director of the Al-Fakhura Program at EAA. This initiative forms part of QFBA’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its community alliances with various national institutions, boost enrolment, and ensure that students, regardless of their financial circumstances, can access quality education.
The joint venture is also a stepping stone towards providing 500 scholarships across Qatar, a project made possible through a collaboration with Qatar’s General Awqaf Authority.
AI strategy for the education sector
Qatar is also developing an AI strategy for its education sector, aligning with the objectives of the country’s National Vision 2030, a Ministry of Education and Higher Education official confirmed.
During a Qatar Radio program featuring officials and experts, Mona Salem Al Fadhli, Director of the Information Systems Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, unveiled a strategy aimed at leveraging big data to optimize the educational process. She also discussed the localization of artificial intelligence in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab world.
Al Fadhli mentioned that the Ministry of Education’s goal is to develop a predictive system powered by artificial intelligence to monitor and control the quality of the educational process. The strategy entails data mining techniques leading to predictive modeling to foresee future trends.
