DOHA: Eight Palestinian students from the Gaza Strip got admitted to the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) to continue their studies at UDST, due to their inability to do so in their original universities, as a result of the ongoing war on the Strip.
UDST, Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, and the General Endowment Administration at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs welcomed the new students and underscored their strong will to continue their studies.
President of UDST DrSalem bin Nasser AlNaemi praised the students for their determination despite the harsh conditions that the Gaza Strip is undergoing, telling Qatar News Agency (QNA) that these students embody a people's determination and ability to carry on living and becoming future leaders who contribute to building and developing Gaza.
Dr AlNaimi noted that the eightstudents belong to different academic specializations, most of which are engineering majors, including mechanical, civil, technology engineering, and information security, indicating that UDSTs doors are open to all students, especially to Palestinian students in such circumstances.
In a similar statement to QNA, CEO of Education Above All Foundation (EAA) Fahad Al Sulaiti praised the partnership between EAA and UDST to provide an opportunity for the students of Gaza to continue their studies at UDST. Al Sulaiti commended the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs' General Directorate of Endowments for their support in that regard. Al Sulaiti explained that the program aims to attract and increase the number of such students to 100 students from various disciplines, adding that other students' applications submitted to EAA institutions are currently being evaluated in cooperation with UDST, with priority going to holders of a Qatar Residency Permit.
In the attendance of Director General of the General Endowment Administration at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanim Al-Thani, the UDST Qatari and Palestinian Clubs extended a heartfelt reception to the newcomers. Expressing their solidarity, the members of these clubs wished the students success throughout their university life and pledged their unwavering support and guidance.
For his part, EAA-affiliated Al Fakhoora programme Executive Director Talal Alhathal expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration between EAA and UDST in providing educational opportunities to Palestinian students affected by the crisis in Gaza.
Alhathal added, "We firmly believe in the power of education to transform lives, and through this collaboration, we are committed to enabling these young men and women to continue their academic journeys, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to build a better future for themselves and their communities."Director General of the General Endowment Administration at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Thani affirmed that the scholarship program is in collaboration and partnership with EAA and partner universities. The initiative aims to support students who have discontinued their studies and to overcome obstacles for them to complete their educational journey in the State of Qatar through partner universities. This will significantly impact their future lives when they return to their countries and contribute to building their community through their academic achievements. His Excellency continued by saying that Today and in partnership with UDST, several students from beloved Palestine are being welcomed under the scholarship program to ensure that they receive full care until their graduation and the attainment of their university degrees.
In December, UDST and EAA signed a partnership agreement to provide educational opportunities to students suffering from the war in Gaza through EAA's Al Fakhoora program.
Under the agreement, UDST will receive outstanding university students from Gaza, whose academic studies were disrupted due to their universities being destroyed. In this context, this initiative reflects UDST's commitment to the principle of equal access to education and supporting students in times of crisis.