Meet Al Fakhoora Master's Student Mohammed Sari

July 03, 2013

As part of Al Fakhoora’s Dynamic Future’s scholarship program an average of 10 students per year are able to complete their master’s degree studies outside, often times in Europe. For most of these students stepping out from behind the blockade to experience student life in Europe is a big shock! This month we sat down with Mohammed Sari Sisalem who recently returned to Gaza after a year in the UK to find out what that was like! 

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Mohammed Sari Sisalem, I'm 25 years old and I'm a Water Policy and Planning Specialist and I'm from Gaza City. My interests are Water Security, Water Law, Strategic Planning and Public relations.

What did you do for your undergraduate studies?

I did a BSc in Civil Engineering at the Islamic University of Gaza

Where did you study for your masters and why did you choose that school and field of study?

I did an MSc in Water Security and International Development at University of East Anglia in the UK. I did this program because there is an urgent need for the development of the water sector in Palestine as well as the water crises in Gaza particularly (with 90-95% of the city's natural aquifer contaminated with sewage due to the inability to maintain and develop treatments plants due to the blockade). This program enabled me to develop my knowledge and gave me more international development aspects to develop the water sector in Palestine.  

What did you think studying abroad was going to be and what was it actually like?

At the beginning I thought it was going to be very complicated and a bit different from the studying system that I am used to, but after I started my degree I was enjoying it despite the academic challenges.  

What are the highlights looking back at your time abroad?

The encouraging atmosphere for studying and doing research. The accessibility to major references and books. The amazing cultural mix that enhanced my perception of other cultures and different types of people. 

What do you hope to do now that you have finished your masters?

I hope I can use the best of what I have learned to implement it in the water sector in Palestine and in Gaza in particular. 

What are your dreams for the future?

Professionally, to be part of the real development of the water management and water sector in Palestine, to be part of the solution for the water crisis that we are suffering from, and to continue to develop my career either by having a satisfying job or by continuing my studies for a PhD. 

How can you use education to change your world?

Education is the main tool to change my world to a better one. Education opens up your mind and prepares it for very deep analysis of any situation as well as making you appreciate all the good efforts around you, and enables you to develop the needed skills for general development. 

What is something you want the world to know about you?

I want them to know, that I do believe that people are the ones who are responsible and need to make the change in this world; there is no difference between all humans despite the different ethnicity, religion and nationality.   

What is it like returning to Gaza?

Being in Gaza makes me feel safer. 

It was very difficult to live away from home and you start to have something called home sickness but after a while you start to adapt again with life and even you start to enjoy it, but always keeping in mind the day you are going back home.  

What did you think of the city, the people, the school?

I totally loved everything, the city was charming, the people were very friendly and supportive and the school was amazing and encouraging to develop our skills and knowledge. 

If you could bring one thing back to Gaza from the UK what would it be?

The peace and lovely landscapes. 

To find out more about our Dynamic Future's scholarship students and communicate directly with students in Gaza, be sure to follow #ImFromGaza on social media: