Arab News Japan

DUBAI: In response to the urgent needs faced by Palestinian students abroad, particularly those from Gaza, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) on Thursday announced the launch of its Education Relief Fund.

The initiative aims to provide financial assistance to students pursuing medicine, health sciences, and STEM fields at universities outside their homeland and whose education has been disrupted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Until recently, these students were supported by their families, with all educational expenses paid for. However, the recent conflict has severely impacted their ability to continue their education without assistance.

The Education Relief Fund said it aims to provide grants that will cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other essential costs for students nearing graduation, facilitating their timely completion of studies amidst escalating conflict. The program targets Gazan and West Bank students in their final year of study or required training, who are studying abroad.

AGF has pledged to support 900 students to complete their university education, recognizing the urgent need to address the acute educational disruptions caused by the conflict. The program is implemented in collaboration with United Lebanon Youth Project (ULYP), a trusted partner offering comprehensive support to marginalized communities through educational initiatives.

“The ongoing conflict in Gaza has placed immense hardship on its population, including in education,” said Sonia Ben Jaafar CEO of AGF. “Through the Education Relief Fund, we aim to mitigate some of these challenges for students who are nearly completing their higher education. This fund is not only a lifeline to safeguard their future opportunities, but also contributes to strengthening the healthcare workforce essential for the region’s recovery.”

This project is a joint collaboration between the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation and the Refugee Education Fund.