British Consulate General Celebrates Scholarship Graduates in Gaza
The British Consul-General in Jerusalem, Dr Alastair McPhail, hosted a reception in Gaza City for Chevening and HESPAL Palestinian alumni.
The British Consul-General in Jerusalem, Dr Alastair McPhail, hosted a reception in Gaza City for alumni of British government scholarship schemes. The event celebrated the achievements of Gazan graduates of the Chevening and HESPAL scholarship programmes, who studied in the UK.
During the event, Dr McPhail distributed Chevening graduation certificates to Salama Abu Salim, Dalya Abu Omar and Nashwa Skaik; three young Palestinian women who have just finished their Masters’ degrees in the UK as Chevening scholars. Seven Gazan students are currently studying in the UK on scholarship programmes.
At the event, Dr McPhail said:
“We are here to celebrate you, alumni of some of the top universities in the UK. All of you are playing crucial roles in Palestinian society. I’m pleased that the UK played even a small role in enabling you to contribute to life here.
“The UK is a firm believer in the role of education in improving the lives of people throughout the world. This is especially true here in Gaza as well as the rest of the Occupied Palestinian territories. This is why the UK invests in scholarship programmes, such as the Chevening and HESPAL scholarships. We want to support and help develop the potential of emerging Palestinian leaders and decision makers.”
Chevening Scholarships offer a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world to develop professionally and academically, network extensively, experience UK culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK. There are over 200 Palestinian alumni of the Chevening scholarship scheme, including over 45 from Gaza.
The HESPAL scholarships aim to help create the next generation of senior academics who can maintain international quality standards at Palestinian universities and to develop renewed, sustainable links between Palestinian and UK universities. There are 150 HESPAL alumni from the Occupied Palestinian territories.