In statements to MAP, these students highlighted the support that the Bayt Mal Al Quds Acharif Agency, executive arm of the Al-Quds Committee, continues to provide to Palestinian students, expressing their joy at seeing each other awarded scholarships to continue their studies at the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute (IAV Hassan II) in Rabat, within the framework of the partnership agreement signed between the Institute, the Agency and the Al- Azhar of Gaza to support the specialized teaching sectors of the Faculty of King Hassan II of Gaza.
“Obtaining a scholarship from the Bayt Mal Al Quds Acharif Agency to continue studies at IAV Hassan II in Rabat represents for us a glimmer of hope after the suspension of studies for a whole year,” indicated student Mohieddine Shehadeh, expressing his sincere thanks and gratitude to HM King Mohammed VI for the Sovereign’s action in favor of Palestinian students.
For his part, student Mohammed Al-Halimi expressed his thanks to the Bayt Mal Al Quds Acharif Agency, which offered him, as well as his colleagues, the opportunity to continue their academic careers in Morocco after “the bombing and destruction” of their university in Gaza, saying he was “happy” with the support provided by Morocco to Palestinian students.
For his part, the chairman of the board of directors of Al-Azhar University in Gaza, Khalil Abu Foul, welcomed the constant support provided by HM King Mohammed VI, may God help him, and the Kingdom of Brother Morocco, reiterating its thanks and gratitude to HM the King, the Moroccan government and people for their positions supporting Palestine.
He mentioned, in this sense, a series of projects and actions in favor of the Gaza Strip and Palestine in general, initiated by the Bayt Mal Al Quds Acharif Agency, including the payment of the costs of the first half for the benefit of students of the King Hassan II Faculty of Agronomic and Environmental Sciences of Al-Azhar University, built thanks to a generous donation from HM the King, in addition to the graduation of forty students and technical support to the servers of the university for three years, as well as its electronic teaching platform.
And to add that “a scholarship was granted to six final year students of specialty in veterinary medicine, and to five students of the specialty of animal production to benefit from training at the IAV Hassan II of Rabat in favor of of the strategic partnership linking it to Al-Azhar University in Gaza”.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors also expressed his thanks and appreciation to HM the King’s ambassador in Cairo and members of the embassy for facilitating the entry formalities of Palestinian students in Morocco, as well as the good reception conditions.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Education Expert Dr. Samira Khalil
Time.news Editor: Good day, Dr. Khalil. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent efforts to support Palestinian students in their educational pursuits. There has been a heartwarming development where the Bayt Mal Al Quds Acharif Agency is providing scholarships to students at the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute in Morocco. What can you tell us about the significance of this initiative?
Dr. Samira Khalil: Good day, and thank you for having me. The initiative by the Bayt Mal Al Quds Acharif Agency is indeed a beacon of hope in a challenging context for many Palestinian students. Scholarships like these not only provide financial support but also signal to the students that their academic aspirations are valued and attainable, even after experiencing trauma, such as the recent conflicts and destruction in Gaza.
Time.news Editor: Student Mohieddine Shehadeh described the scholarship as a “glimmer of hope” after a year of suspended studies. Can you elaborate on the mental and emotional impact such support can have on students who have faced adversity?
Dr. Samira Khalil: Absolutely. For students who have endured disruptions in their education due to violence or instability, the resumption of their studies is critical not just academically but psychologically as well. Scholarships like these allow students to rebuild their futures, instilling a sense of normalcy and purpose. It’s crucial for their mental health as it promotes resilience and validates their potential in a world that often overlooks their struggles.
Time.news Editor: Mohammed Al-Halimi, another student benefiting from the program, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to study after the destruction of their university. How important is it for educational institutions and agencies to provide such support during times of crisis?
Dr. Samira Khalil: It’s vital. Education is one of the most powerful tools for recovery and development. When educational institutions and agencies step in to support students during crises, they acknowledge the importance of knowledge and skills in rebuilding lives and communities. The support not only helps students academically but also fosters a sense of solidarity and community, essential for emotional recovery.
Time.news Editor: This partnership involving the Al-Quds Committee, Bayt Mal Al Quds Acharif Agency, and international institutions like IAV Hassan II shows a collaborative effort to bolster education for Palestinians. What role does international cooperation play in these educational initiatives?
Dr. Samira Khalil: International cooperation can be transformative in educational initiatives, especially in conflict zones. By pooling resources and expertise, organizations can address the urgent needs of students more effectively. This particular partnership illustrates how collective action can lead to sustainable educational opportunities, particularly for those who have faced systemic barriers due to conflict or instability.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, how can educational bodies and governments further support Palestinian students and others in similar situations around the world?
Dr. Samira Khalil: Moving forward, greater emphasis on comprehensive scholarship programs, mental health support, and collaboration with international educational bodies will be crucial. It’s important to advocate for policies that prioritize education during conflicts and crises. Additionally, creating awareness and fostering partnerships with universities worldwide can help these students gain access to a broader range of opportunities.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khalil, for your insights on this uplifting initiative and the broader implications for Palestinian students. It’s uplifting to see such efforts being made and the impact they can have on young lives.
Dr. Samira Khalil: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these conversations going, as education is truly the key to a brighter future.