From the Shores of Gaza to the Shores of the USA
Hazim Al Bitar, 22 years old, lives in Al Shejaya, one of the oldest suburbs in Gaza city, and one of the most highly populated as well. Hazim was one of the earliest Al Fakhoora students, and studied Environmental Engineering at the Islamic University in Gaza (IUG).
Hazem is one of nine in his family; his father is a driver in addition to managing his small bookshop business which was granted to the family as part of the Dynamic Future’s scholarship program, DEEP with Al Fakhoora and UNDP.
“Hazim was among the students who showed remarkable activisim and enthusiasm in the beginning and he was among the first group who joined the Virtual Majlis with Penn State University.” UNDP Program Manager Mozna Abu Mery recalled.
On this experience Hazim said “The Virtual Majlis was a very good experience, it was the first time I had spoken to people from other countries about our life and ambitions and to start to understand the American culture.”
Hazim attend a full season of the Virtual Majlis stating, “I had challenging studies, but I learned that I have to be up to the challenge to be a leader in my career, and the idea of advocacy began growing in me.”
In the summer of 2012, Hazim was selected by the American Consulate as a “Student Leader” to join a remarkable program in the United States. He was accepted to join the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Global Environmental Issues. The focus of his studies was on environmental policy, natural resource management, sustainable development / sustainable agricultural practices, forestry, ecotourism, leadership development, and a variety of other topics related to environmental conservation.
“In my application, I presented the experience gained in the advocacy activities with Al Fakhoora and the Virtual Majlis, and my understanding of the American culture, and my wish to enhance this experience by coming to US to break the blockade on Gaza and develop my knowledge. In fact the Virtual Majlis experience was a great asset to me. During my stay in Hawaii, where the training was held, I attended a conference on energy and also visited different States, where I met people from around the world; being a part of Al Fakhoora, I was very proud to talk about my experience as Palestinian student.” Hazim stated.
In June 2013 Hazim was accepted for a Coca-Cola Scholarship to attend training in the US on International Business at the Kelly School for Business at Indiana University. "During this course, I received training on entrepreneurship and how to be creative and lead in business, and this has developed my character and experience. In fact, I have always wished to contribute more to the Advocacy Program, which has inspired me to be an advocate for Palestine.”
