Returning to Gaza: A Year On
Fadi Hania, 33, lives in Gaza city and is married with two kids. Fadi works as lecturer of software development and software engineering at The University College of Applied Sciences (UCAS) after completing his Master's Degree in the UK as part of Al Fakhoora's International Dynamic Future's master degree scholarship program.
In 2011, Fadi was selected as an outstanding scholar to pursue his studies in software engineering, a rare field in the Gaza Strip but one in high demand, as pointed out by research conducted with the private sector. The major problem addressed by software engineering is to improve software development processes to reach the best results, by concentrating on improving the product quality and management of both the team and resources. Furthermore, producing scalable, reusable and high performing software solutions, while completing on time and within budget; all in order to meet the requirements and expectations of the customer.
Fadi left Gaza to the UK in September 2011 to study software engineering at the University of York focusing on the management aspects of software projects.
“In addition to the massive market needs, this area is very important in the teaching field where you can better transfer, not just programming skills to the students, but how to implement it using correct and systematic approaches. These technical development methodologies are missed in local universities and in Gaza as a whole.” Fadi stated.
Fadi added, “This was one of the best courses, very extensive, practical, collaborative and leadership based, building professionals in software process management rather than just basic programmers which is really what is needed in the Gaza market.”
On the activities level, Fadi was active with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign while in the UK, organizing booths to advocate for Palestinian rights as well as teaching Arabic as part of his activities within the Islamic Society. Additionally, he has been able to earn some money by participating in competitive contracts, “In the UK, I have been able to use my experience and knowledge to win small freelancing projects which has enhanced my learning experience.” Fadi commented.
Back to Gaza on 2012: “After my return, I joined UCAS in a more senior position teaching undergraduate students instead of just diploma students. In addition to this, UCAS started a new degree course this year called Information Security Engineering, where my expertise is highly needed. Besides all of this, I have continued my extensive freelancing work, providing several services as well as training and consultancies for International organizations and universities. One of the certified training courses I did recently, was in “requirements engineering” in which I was the only qualified bidder to deliver the class due to the absence of such expertise in the market” Fadi concluded.
