Studying Abroad: A Matter of Solid Waste Management
25-year-old Sami Matter, from the Tel-Alhawa suburb in Gaza, belongs to a family of 11. Samir completed his B.Sc. in Environmental Engineering at the Islamic University in Gaza (IUG) in 2011.
In January 2012 Samir applied for the Al Fakhoora International Masters scholarship with showing distinction in his community, environmental activities, and leading scientific researcher, even submitting a few scientific papers to international conferences during his studies. Samir applied to study solid waste management saying, “It’s a very rare specialty in Gaza, in a time that we have challenging solid waste problems that influence the public health of inhabitants of the Gaza Strip”. Samir well defined the problem, and in his interview, reflecting a strong leadership character and clear plans for the future. Despite being young and a fresh graduate, he was able to convince the panel of the importance of his specialty for the future of Gaza.
In September 2012 Samir left to Malaysia to study solid waste management at the University Science of Malaysia, one of the top five universities in Malaysia. “The program was very interesting, and very informative. Particularly as a Palestinian student it helped me to communicate with different students who had an interest in Palestine. As an Al Fakhoora scholar, I felt like an ambassador representing my people. I have been talking about Al Fakhoora and its name, which has been very inspiring as an advocate for education and in highlighting attacks on educational institution in the Gaza Strip” Samir stated.
Reflecting on his experience as an international student Samir pointed out, “The research experience with my professors was magnificent, and unlike the limited support in my undergraduate studies, we were encouraged to dig deeper in research, developing new ideas, figuring out solutions for problems, debating and comparing solutions for solid waste and environmental problems, in fact, it was a very rewarding experience”
In August 2013, Samir return to Gaza having completed his M.Sc. in solid waste management, with a 3.5 accumulative GPA. “It was a hard journey under the current regional problems and with the closing of the Rafah Crossing, it was also a very challenging trip back home, but I insisted that I wanted to return, having great passion to implement new knowledge in Gaza. So I went through complicated procedures to come through Jordan, West Bank and then cross back to Gaza.”
By mid August Samir was accepted as a project coordinator at the Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority to lead a project titled “Environmental Awareness of Best Practices” targeting the local council staff in the Gaza Strip with a $400 monthly salary. “I was the top candidate in the interviews and I think well equipped with strong experience and knowledge; I was very confident that I am well qualified after my long journey, despite the small salary, but I think this is a step-forward.”
