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The Palestinian Scholarship Initiative is hosted on: https://events.rayofhope.sg/events/palestinian-scholarship-initiative/

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Donations collected are held by Ray of Hope and will only be disbursed locally to the students and universities when ready.

As Palestine faces unimaginable devastation and Palestinian educational opportunities dwindle under occupation, we stand with a vision for the future. With some universities in Palestine damaged or destroyed, countless bright minds are left with limited access to learning.

We, a group of Singaporean citizens, believe in the power of education to rebuild lives and shape a better tomorrow. This is a self-organised, ground-up initiative to support Palestinians whose access to education has been jeopardised. By supporting the Palestinian Scholarship Initiative (PSI), you can help provide life-changing opportunities for Palestinian students to pursue full tertiary education in Singapore.

Our Goal: $400,000

The Palestinian Scholarship Initiative aims to sponsor two Palestinian students at approximately $50,000* per student per year for a full-time four-year study at local universities in Singapore, covering all costs – from tuition to lodging and living expenses.

These scholarships offer hope, bridging the gap to a brighter future for students whose educational journeys have been interrupted by conflict.

With your support, we can equip these students with the tools to thrive, empowering them to contribute to the global community and drive change for future generations.
We hope that, with your support, two Palestinian youths can begin their study in Singapore in the academic year of 2025.

*This cost will be less if the student qualifies for financial aid at the university and/or if the student stays with a home host during the term of study.

Or donate a custom amount

About The Organisers / PSI Team

We, a group of Singaporean citizens, believe in the power of education to rebuild lives and shape a better tomorrow. This is a self-organised, ground-up initiative to support Palestinians whose access to education has been jeopardised. By supporting the Palestinian Scholarship Initiative (PSI), you can help provide life-changing opportunities for Palestinian students to pursue full tertiary education in Singapore.

Our work and partners
The Palestinian Scholarship Initiative team has been in charge of the conceptualisation, ongoing marketing and partnerships to make this scholarship a reality, and is a 100% volunteer-based initiative. We have partnered with Ray of Hope, a Registered Charity for crowdfunding, to host and manage all donations.

We have also brought together the Scholarship Administration Committee, co-chaired by Professor Yaacob Ibrahim, former Minister for Communications and Information, and Anthea Ong, entrepreneur, social advocate, and former Nominated Member of Parliament.

Concurrently, our team has been in fruitful discussion with several local universities for their participation in this initiative. We welcome further partnerships to expand the repertoire of academic pathways for the scholar(s).

We have also updated the relevant ministries of this initiative including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs.

Moreover, we have ongoing discussions and consultations with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and related agencies, top-ranked universities in Palestine, groups such as Arab Network@Singapore, as well as engagements with our informal networks to reach out to qualifying Palestinian refugees and youths.

This campaign was launched in conjunction with Hush TeaBar’s 10th Anniversary event where they dedicated all profits to this initiative. We are heartened and encouraged by the positive responses that we have garnered thus far.

What’s next after the target amount has been raised?
The team is currently working on reaching eligible Palestinian students, establishing partnerships with more institutions of Higher Learning and working with relevant bodies to ensure a smooth and safe journey for the awarded Palestinian scholars to begin their education in Singapore.

About The Scholarship

What does the scholarship aim to cover?
The monies raised will be used for:

• Tuition Fees: Est. $50 – 80k or more
• 1 x Return International Travel: Est. $3k or more
• Admission Application Fees
• Campus Accommodation
• Accommodation (if campus accommodation is unavailable)
• Living Expenses: Est. $1k / month or more
• Public Transport Allowance
• Student Pass Application Fees
• Miscellaneous fees: Est. $3k or more

Beyond financial support, we are looking into the option of home-hosting so that the scholars can feel psychologically safe in a family environment, especially if they have lost their own.

How will the scholar be selected?
An independent Scholarship Administration Committee (SAC) would be set up to review the eligible applications.

Candidates must meet the academic admission criteria set by the participating institution for the intended course of study. The scholarship offer will be contingent on the student’s acceptance into one of the participating institutions.

Scholarship Administration Committee
Committee Co-Chair: Professor Yaacob Ibrahim, former Minister for Communications and Information
Committee Co-Chair: Anthea Ong, entrepreneur, social advocate, and former Nominated Member of Parliament.

Committee Members:
• Dr Ang Swee Chai, co-founder of Medical Aid for Palestinians
• Dr Khaled Dawas, a British-Palestinian surgeon and Honorary Associate, Professor at University College London (UCL)
• Dr Gül İnanç, founder of global initiative, Opening Universities for Refugees (OUR)
• Dr Alicia Altorfer-Ong, Deputy General Manager of Ray of Hope.

“We believe in the transformative power of education, especially in times of hardship. By supporting the Palestinian Scholarship Initiative, we are not only offering young Palestinian students the opportunity to rebuild their lives but also creating a bridge between Singapore and Palestine, fostering mutual understanding and exchange. These scholarships provide hope and open doors to a brighter future for students who have faced unimaginable challenges due to conflict and occupation. Our hope is that, through education, these students will gain the tools and skills to contribute not only to their own communities but to the global community at large. Together, we can shape a future where learning thrives despite adversity, and where support between nations and people pave the way for a more connected, compassionate world.”
— Yaacob Ibrahim
Former Minister for Communications and Information, Co-Chair of Palestinian Scholarship Initiative

“Without education, there is no future. Supporting young Palestinians to study in Singapore not only provides them with access to world-class education but also enriches our society by fostering diversity, empathy and global understanding. Their unique perspectives and resilience can inspire innovation and collaboration, benefitting both our universities and the broader community as we work toward a more equal and peaceful world.

While we may not be able to change the world with this small contribution, we sincerely wish that the Palestinian Scholarship Initiative can make a world of difference to one or two young Palestinians each year. Being in a safe country like Singapore and living with a home host may also support these young Palestinians in the psychological healing that they require and deserve which will support them in pursuing their dreams and build better futures for themselves and their families.”
— Anthea Ong
Former Nominated Member of Parliament, Co-Chair of Palestinian Scholarship Initiative

Which universities in Singapore can the students apply to in order to be eligible for the scholarship?
As of October 2024, the list of participating Institutions of Higher Learning are:
• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)
• Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
• Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
• Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)

Please note that the scholarship offer will be contingent on the student’s successful admission into a participating Institute. Students are required to apply to the participating institutions through their respective channels separately from their application for the scholarship.

We are currently reaching out to Institutions of Higher Learning in Singapore to support this initiative. Please reach out to us at the email provided below should your Institute be interested in supporting the scholarship recipients.

How are we reaching Palestinian students?
Currently, the team is reaching out via informal networks and existing groups in support of Palestine. More information will be fielded here when we have updates.

About The Campaign

How will the monies collected be managed and administered?
All the monies will held and managed by Ray of Hope – a Registered Charity and Institution of Public Character that is endorsed by Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and National Council of Social Services. Please visit rayofhope.sg to learn more about this charity. The initiators of this campaign do not and will not have direct access to the monies.

The monies will be administered directly by Ray of Hope to the university upon the scholar’s admission into the university. Ray of Hope, an approved Institution of Public Character (IPC), is where donations will be collected and kept. They will manage and disburse the monies only to said student and university in Singapore when ready. Please note that 4.5% of the total amount raised will go to Ray of Hope as platform and administration fees.

What is Ray of Hope?
Ray of Hope is a crowdfunding charity where your donations go to people in need. All campaigns are also fully verified by Ray of Hope, so you know your money goes to real people with real needs. As a Singapore-registered charity and Institution of Public Character (IPC) (UEN: 201229333H), Ray of Hope aims to go beyond crowdfunding by providing community support and resources to our beneficiaries. We do this by working with our charitable partners and Ray of Hope volunteers to give hope to our beneficiaries. For more information, please visit https://rayofhope.sg/about-us

Is this campaign legal?
Yes, this crowdfunding initiative is legal. Ray of Hope is a Registered Charity that specialises in crowdfunding. Since all donations are held and managed by Ray of Hope, which is governed by laws for Registered Charities, a fundraising permit was not required.

Additionally, we have also updated the relevant ministries of this initiative including Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs.

Why are we doing this?

Singapore was an eye-opening experience. Like any journey, it came with its ups and downs, and a learning pace that was incredibly fast. Moving from Palestine to Singapore felt like transcending time—shifting between two vastly different realities. On one hand, Palestine continues to grapple with the enduring struggles of settler-colonialism, while Singapore has flourished beyond its colonial past. There was so much to learn, observe, and engage with. By the time you leave, you’re no longer the same person you were when you arrived. You depart with renewed hope for the future and a deep trust in humanity’s ability to overcome challenges.”— Hanan Sahmoud

Other countries offering Palestinians scholarships

Ireland: Irish Aid Fellowships for Palestinians

Background: Ireland offers the Irish Aid Fellowship Programme, which provides scholarships to Palestinian students for postgraduate education in Irish universities. This fellowship focuses on development-related fields, including health, agriculture, and education.

Impact: Since its inception, several Palestinian students have benefited from Irish Aid Fellowships, particularly those working in the public health and education sectors in Gaza and the West Bank. Graduates of this program have gone on to contribute to Palestinian civil society through NGOs and government roles.

Key Feature: The program prioritizes students who will return to Palestine and work in sectors that directly contribute to development, making the scholarships highly focused on capacity building in the OPT (Occupied Palestinian Territories).

Success Story: Shawan Jabarin

Image from PA News

Shawan Jabarin is a past fellow who is the Director of Al Haq, the oldest Palestinian human rights NGO. Mr Jabarin graduated from the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland, Galway, in 2005. In 2010, Jabarin was awarded the distinguished graduate award from the Centre. This year, he received the University of Galway 2024 Alumni Award for Law, Public Policy, and Society.

Germany: DAAD Scholarships for Palestinians

Background: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers several scholarship programs specifically for Palestinian students, such as the “Master’s and PhD Programs in Germany for Palestinians” initiative. DAAD provides full funding, including tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.

Impact: DAAD scholarships are one of the key gateways for Palestinian students to access higher education in Europe. For instance, in 2019, a collaboration between DAAD and Birzeit University in the West Bank allowed 20 Palestinian students to pursue advanced degrees in Germany, leading to significant academic and professional achievements upon their return.

Key Feature: DAAD focuses on academic excellence, fostering research collaboration between Palestinian and German institutions, which creates long-term educational and research opportunities for Palestinians.

Success Story: Dr. rer. oec. Samah Abu Assab

Dr. Samah was awarded two DAAD scholarships to pursue a Masters degree in Innovation and Technology Management and a PhD in Marketing and Innovation Management at the Brandenburg University of Technology (TU) Cottbus, Germany.

Her research focuses on marketing, entrepreneurship, services research, and innovation management. She is the Head of the DAAD alumni association in the West Bank, and an Assistant Professor of Marketing and Innovation at Birzeit University at the Faculty of Business and Economics.

Türkiye: Türkiye Scholarships for Palestinians
Background: The Türkiye Scholarships program is one of the largest and most well-known scholarship programs targeting Palestinian students. The program offers comprehensive scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, including tuition, living allowances, health insurance, accommodation, and a round-trip flight ticket.

Impact: As of recent years, Turkey has provided scholarships to hundreds of Palestinian students. For example, in 2021, more than 500 Palestinian students were studying in Turkey under this program. The scholarships are designed to support not only academic success but also cultural integration through Turkish language programs and orientation sessions for incoming students.

Key Feature: This scholarship is highly inclusive, covering almost all aspects of a student’s financial needs, and offers opportunities in a wide range of academic fields.

Success Story: Mohammed Abusharekh

Mohammed Abusharekh was studying medicine at Jerusalem University in 2007 but was forced to drop out due to political unrest. After receiving a scholarship from Türkiye, Abusharekh enrolled in Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine in 2007. The Palestinian physician, who graduated in 2017 as a cardiologist, has been both treating patients and training residents at a private hospital in Izmir for a year.

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