Student and Family Life Behind the Scholarship
Al Fakhoora Scholar Abdullah Al Masri, 22, majored in Islamic Law at the Islamic University, graduating with honors this year as one of the top students in the Al Fakhoora Dynamic Future’s program.
Abdullah and his 13 family members live in Beit Hanoun in the Northern Gaza Strip. Identified by the UNDP Deprived families Economic Empowerment Programme, Abdullah’s family receives assistance alongside Abdullah’s scholarship to bolster the student’s ability to stay in school and assist the family in raising itself out of poverty. Abdullah’s father, as thousands of Palestinian Workers, used to work inside Israel as a as a construction worker, yet lost his job when Israel released all Palestinian workers. Abdullah graduated from secondary school with a very good mark, but worried about his ability to pursue higher education due to his family’s financial situation. “I always thought that I would be staying home, my two older brothers were not able to go to university.”
During his time as an Al Fakhoora student, Abdullah served on his university’s student council as the elected leader of the social committee. Abdullah was an articulate student and was also chosen to be a speaker at many university and student events. He was also active in civil society organizations volunteering to help organize educational events for young people. He also contributed in drafting the bylaws for the Al Fakhoora Graduates Alumni, which is currently in the process of being established.
In finishing his degree, Abdallah was realizing his dream. “Since I was young, I have been a defender of rights. I have always tried to support my friends and as I have grown, I have come to know that I had a great cause to fight for justice; the deprived Palestinian rights of freedom and dignity. I was always fascinated by how lawyers works to achieve justice and it has been my dream to become a Lawyer.”
Currently, Abdullah has started his field training in a law office. The training lasts for two years after which he will be granted a license to practice law. “I am looking forward to the future when I can open my own private law office, as well I really hope to pursue my higher studies in international humanitarian law outside of Gaza. My recent studies of English Language are contributing to achieving this goal.”
In a visit to Abdullah’s house, his mother stated, “I feel so proud of Abdullah achieving his dream. InshAllah now he will be able to find a good job and support the family, and get married in the future. Thank you to all those supported Abdullah.”
