Latest news with #AlAzharUniversity
The Independent
02-08-2025
- General
- The Independent
Student in Gaza unable to reach UK before start of term ‘refuses to give up'
A student trapped in Gaza who has been awarded a place at a UK university said she 'lost access to education overnight' but refuses to 'give up'. Dalya Ibrahim Shehada Qeshta was studying pharmacy at Al-Azhar University in Gaza while her twin sister Dalal was specialising in engineering when the campus was 'completely destroyed' in the ongoing conflict, she said. The 22-year-old, from Rafah city in southern Gaza and who has family in the UK, said despite this, the pair 'refused to let go of our dreams' and applied to study in the UK. 'Our university was completely destroyed, along with many of our personal belongings, and we lost access to education overnight,' she told the PA news agency. 'Like thousands of others, our lives were thrown into chaos. 'Education is not just a dream for us, it is our hope for healing, rebuilding, and having a future beyond war,' she said. Dalya has been offered a place to study pharmacy at the University of Manchester while Dalal secured a place at the University of Bristol on an aerospace engineering course. However, both are unable to leave Gaza as their way out is 'physically blocked' by the closure of borders and crossings in the region as well as a lack of financial support, Ms Qeshta said. Last week, the Guardian reported that a group of 40 students in Gaza are unable to take their places at UK universities in September despite being awarded full scholarships because of a Home Office requirement for biometric data for visa applications. According to the paper, the UK-authorised biometrics centre in Gaza closed in October 2023 and it has been 'impossible' for the students to travel to centres in neighbouring countries. For Ms Qeshta, continuing her education is 'key to breaking the cycle of hardship,' she said, adding that it would 'change our lives for the better'. During the early months of the war, Ms Qeshta said her family home was 'completely destroyed' and they have been 'forcibly displaced' 11 times since. They are currently living in a tent in Al-Mawasi. Of life in Gaza, she told PA it was a 'living nightmare' and that children were searching for 'water and bread, not toys or books'. 'Prices are unimaginably high, and basic essentials like flour, rice, or canned goods are almost non-existent,' she said. 'True hunger is not just a feeling, it's a daily reality. 'Medicines and healthcare are either unavailable or unaffordable, and the sick often go without help.' She said: 'There's no sense of routine, just survival.' 'Children in Gaza no longer know what childhood means,' she said. 'The war has stolen their laughter, their innocence, and their dreams. 'They search for water and bread, not toys or books. 'They are dying not because of illness or because they are hungry, but simply because they are children of Gaza.' One of 'the most terrifying moments' the family experienced was in Al-Mawasi when 'shelling began without warning' as they were gathering their belongings, Ms Qeshta said. 'My brother was injured, and my sister's young children were paralysed with fear. 'We were caught between life and death, fleeing under fire.' On another occasion, bullets pierced the family's tent as they were preparing a meal in a moment of 'terror' she will never forget, the student said. 'But through all this darkness, we hold onto hope – hope that we can survive, rebuild, and one day live in peace,' she added. 'Hope that we can still pursue our dreams like any other young people in this world. 'We refuse to give up. 'Even when everything is stripped away from us, we cling to our humanity, to our stories, and to the belief that our voices still matter.' As pressure mounts on the UK Government to take further action to help end the conflict, Sir Keir Starmer announced this week that the country could take the step of recognising a Palestinian state in September ahead of a gathering at the UN. The UK would refrain from doing so if Israel allows more aid into Gaza, stops annexing land in the West Bank, agrees to a ceasefire, and signs up to a long-term peace process over the next two months. Although this is an 'important step', recognition 'should not be used as a bargaining tool' but as a 'moral and political obligation', Ms Qeshta said of the announcement. 'We have seen many promises before,' 'What matters most now is action.' She added: 'I hope this move is real and followed by real change on the ground, because words alone cannot save lives. ' The student urged the international community not to 'turn away' from the suffering in Gaza and to push for an 'immediate end' to the conflict. 'We are not numbers,' she said. 'We are people, and we want to live.' Campaigners are reportedly calling on the Government to grant students with scholarships a biometrics deferral and assist them in finding a safe route to a third country where they can complete their visa application before travelling to the UK. Of this group, a Government spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the students and are considering the request for support.' Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed, who is campaigning on this issue, said: 'Gaza's education system, like so much else, has been all but obliterated. 'Schools have become overcrowded shelters, every university has been reduced to rubble, and educators have been deliberately targeted and killed.' The Sheffield Central MP added: 'Ireland, France and Belgium have acted to ensure their students can reach safety, the UK has not. 'This is not hypothetical, some of these students have already been killed while waiting and others remain in constant danger. 'I'm pressing ministers to address this as soon as possible, as every minute increases the likelihood that more young lives will be lost.' The University of Bristol said they were unable to discuss individual cases and the University of Manchester has been contacted for comment.
Biz Bahrain
09-07-2025
- General
- Biz Bahrain
Education Minister approves scholarship plan for 2024–2025 high school graduates
Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, approved the scholarship and grant allocation plan for Bahraini high school graduates from public and private schools for the 2024–2025 academic year. The plan covers students who achieved a score of 90% or higher. Over 4,000 scholarships and grants have been designated, including 1,900 full scholarships for students scoring 95% and above, and 2,300 grants for students scoring between 90% and 94.9%. Eligible students can proceed with their scholarship application process once accepted by a university, provided they complete the process within two months of receiving admission. Dr. Juma said that this initiative reflects the continued support for education under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This year's plan includes 300 scholarships in nursing, 12 international scholarships in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 5 scholarships at Al Azhar University, in addition to hundreds of seats at universities across Bahrain and the region. Students enrolled in home-schooling, evening education, and literacy and adult education programmes are also eligible for the scholarships and grants. Applications may be submitted via the Ministry's website at or directly at starting Tuesday, July 8, 2025, until the end of Monday, July 14, 2025. The ministry has introduced improvements to the application process this year, removing the need for SMS passwords and enabling direct access through the listed links. BNA(R)
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Huawei expands free AI learning opportunities across Egypt
Cairo, Egypt: In a significant step to make digital education more accessible to all, Huawei has signed three strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Al-Azhar University, the Egyptian-Russian University and 6th of October University, during the Huawei Instructors Forum 2025- an event that also showcased Huawei's latest technologies and digital education solutions, which aims to strength the engagement and co-operation with Egyptian universities and maximize the benefits to all students. The agreements mark the official launch of the 'Huawei AI Program'— a bold initiative that brings the world of Artificial Intelligence closer to students across Egypt. This move reflects Huawei's belief that opportunity should be open to all — and that everyone deserves a chance to thrive in an AI-driven world. The MOU was signed by Eng. Asmaa Serag – Director of Huawei Academies Egypt, Professor Dr. Mohamed Farag, University President's Consultant for Digital Transformation at Al-Azhar University; Professor Dr. Hossam ElBahary, Head of Information Systems and Network Technology Department, Faculty of Information Systems and Computer Science at October 6 University; Professor Dr. Tamer Saleh, Associate professor for the faculty of engineering at the Egyptian Russian University. Through this collaboration, Huawei is embedding its AI courses into Egypt's academic curriculum, giving over 25,000 students access to world-class learning now available on the Huawei Talent platform. Designed to be accessible, inclusive, and engaging, the program will be activated for more than 10,000 students at Al-Azhar University, 10,000 at the Egyptian-Russian University, and 5,000 at 6th of October University — empowering a new generation to explore the world of Artificial Intelligence and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital future. Offered as part of Huawei's latest suite of cutting-edge technologies and solutions, the AI course consists of seven dynamic sessions, presented in a clear, animated format, the course breaks down the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence in an engaging, easy-to-follow way — with no prior technical knowledge required. Fully online, completely free, and available in both English and Arabic, it is open to everyone — regardless of age, background, or profession — and can be accessed anytime, anywhere with a simple, free account. Mr. Robert Parua, Education Programme Specialist at the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo stated: 'At UNESCO, we believe that digital transformation in education is not just about technology—it's about people. Our long-standing partnership with Huawei reflects a shared vision to empower educators, upskill youth, and foster inclusive, innovative learning ecosystems. In this era, we must ensure that no one is left behind by leveraging technology to build a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future for all.' Mr. Dou Yong, Vice President of Huawei Technologies Egypt, said: 'At Huawei, we envision a world where technology transforms education into a powerful force for progress, inclusion, and opportunity. We believe that education is the cornerstone of a sustainable and thriving future — and in a rapidly evolving digital age, the need to connect academic knowledge with real-world skills has never been more critical. Through initiatives like the Huawei ICT Academy, we proudly stand alongside passionate instructors to empower students, nurture future innovators, and build a generation ready to lead in the digital era. Together, we are not just advancing education — we are shaping a smarter, more connected, and more inclusive tomorrow for all'. Eng. Asmaa Serag, Director of Huawei Academies Egypt, stated: 'Through the Huawei ICT Academies, we've built a strong foundation for digital capacity building across Egypt — and this new AI initiative is an exciting next step. By partnering with leading universities, we are expanding the reach of future-focused skills and helping students unlock new learning opportunities in AI. Our mission is to create accessible, high-impact programs that equip youth with the knowledge and confidence to lead in a digital-first world.'
Egypt Today
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Egypt, Tunisia discuss boosting religious cooperation
Egyptian (R) and Tunisian (L) flags - file CAIRO - 14 June 2025: Egypt's Ambassador to Tunisia Bassem Hassan had a meeting with Tunisia's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Hichem Ben Mahmoud to explore ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of religious edicts (fatwas), imam training, and exchange of scholarships in Islamic studies. The meeting underlined the depth of ties between Egypt and Tunisia, particularly the strong scholarly ties between Al Azhar University in Cairo and Ez-Zitouna University in Tunis. These ties were notably exemplified by the historic appointment of the esteemed Tunisian scholar Sheikh El-Khadr Hussein as Grand Imam of Al Azhar in 1952. Ambassador Hassan stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two leading Islamic institutions, recognizing them as beacons of moderate thought essential to fighting extremist and destructive ideologies. He also expressed Egypt's anticipation of hosting Sheikh Hichem Ben Mahmoud in Cairo in August to take part in an international conference organized by Egypt's Dar al-Ifta, titled "The Making of a Wise Mufti in the Age of Artificial Intelligence." The diplomat highlighted Egypt's continued support for the Palestinian cause, adding the Egyptian and Tunisian leaderships shared an identical vision on ending the aggression in Gaza and reaffirming their commitment to consolidating bilateral cooperation in all sectors. For his part, the Tunisian Grand Mufti voiced his deep appreciation for the strong ties with Egypt, commending Egypt's sincere efforts in defending the interests of the Islamic nation. He also called for enhancing the longstanding academic and historical ties between Ez-Zitouna and Al Azhar.
The Guardian
05-06-2025
- General
- The Guardian
‘When they are at risk they text me': Gaza academic in UK powerless to rescue family
The silence of the early hours was unbearable, perhaps worse than on any night since 7 October 2023. Bassem Abudagga paced around his flat in Manchester waiting desperately for an answer. He knew from a WhatsApp group of 800 relatives, set up by his extended family in Gaza, that houses near where his wife and two young children were holed up to the west of Khan Younis were being hit by Israeli missiles. His wife, Marim, was not picking up. 'Every single minute, I am with them 24 hours a day and night. When there is any risk, I keep in contact all the time with them online,' he says. 'It depends on the connections, sometimes they are very bad. Even when I am sleeping I keep the notifications very loud and I keep just waking up when one goes off. When they are at risk they just text me. It is very exhausting because they feel that if I am in touch with them it is like a hope, they just hold it. I cannot sleep if there is a bombardment.' On this occasion, a month ago, contact was lost. Abudagga, a lecturer in business studies from Al-Azhar University in Gaza who is on a British Council scholarship to the UK, tried making an international call to Mariam. But there was no response. 'They were very, very hard moments,' he recalls. 'Everyone texted me and asked: 'Have you any information?' And I said: 'No information.' These moments went on for five to 10 minutes – but it was so long. The first message I finally received was from my mum [who was also staying in the house]. It said: 'We are all safe.' It was a moment of pure relief.' The couple's five-year-old boy, Karim, had been unable to bear the sound of drones and left the bed in which they all had tried to sleep, crying. His nine-year-old sister, Talya, and Marim, without her phone, joined him and they had just hugged on the floor, terrified. The impact of the Israeli pounding shattered the windows but there was no direct strike on their building, just broken glass and dust everywhere. It was one of so many similar incidents. 'They have survived on many such occasions, just by the mercy of God,' says Abudagga. That they are still alive may at times feel like a miracle. But exactly why Marim, Talya and Karim remain in Gaza at all and have not been evacuated to be with their father is a question now facing the UK Foreign Office and Home Office. The British Council, which awarded Bassem Abudagga his three-year scholarship to the UK to do his PhD in business studies at York St John University back in 2022, is sponsored by the Foreign Office. Under UK immigration rules Abudagga could have brought his family with him in 2022 but decided he could not afford to and that he would visit them when he could. He last saw them a few weeks before the deadly Hamas attacks of 7 October, during a trip back to Gaza. Abudagga being a foreign student studying and working here (he lectures part-time in Manchester to earn money), the government does not question their right to be re-united in the UK. But it seems to Abudagga that it is doing nothing to allow it to happen. 'The government could have done something,' says Abudagga. 'I am entitled to have my family here and there are many British citizens who have been evacuated. I have all the papers in place.' His case has been taken up by the Labour MPs for York Central, Rachael Maskell, and Salford, Rebecca Long-Bailey. The Observer first took up Abudagga's case in March last year. The authorities responded by saying that Marim must get fingerprints in order to make an application for she and her children to be evacuated. But this is impossible as there is no facility left standing in Gaza to do so. Abudagga has asked that the demand for fingerprints be deferred until they have crossed the border into Egypt – if they could ever find a way to do so. The Abudagga family's suffering is one case among millions in Gaza, but it is unusual in being one for which the UK government bears a direct responsibility. Rachael Maskell said: 'It is intensely frustrating when ministers are treating the case like any other, when Bassem was the only parent invited to join this UK study programme from a university in Gaza. These are exceptional circumstances for which the government must make an exception and stop hiding behind the bureaucracy which fails to support people in such desperate situations.' Marim, Talya and Karim are now living in a tent near the sea in Gaza in an area the Israelis say is safe. 'Of course it is not safe at all,' Abudagga says. Since the war began more than 250 members of his wider family have lost their lives. Every time they are displaced their entire life is uprooted. Two weeks ago, Abudagga sent a message to the MPs backing him and others who are trying to help, saying the situation was fast deteriorating. Of the children he said: 'They are now in critical conditions: severely traumatised, living in constant fear of bombardment, and suffering from acute hunger and lack of access to basic needs. Their mother is doing everything in her power to care for them, but the burden has become crushing and unsustainable. We believe that facilitating the children's evacuation – even without Marim for now – is essential not only to protect them, but also to ease her unbearable situation.' But nothing has changed. Abudagga's supervisor at York St John University, Dr Alexandra Dales, which is providing him with extra financial assistance from its hardship fund, cannot speak highly enough of her student. 'It is a privilege to supervise Bassem. He has shown incredible fortitude during the conflict and has continued studying throughout. It has been incredibly distressing to witness the impact of the conflict on Bassem and his family.' The British Council said it 'has and will continue to urgently highlight Bassem's case'. The Foreign Office said the case of the Abudagga family was a matter for the Home Office which in turn said: 'Subject to meeting eligibility requirements, international students can bring dependents to the UK. The visa application centre in Gaza is currently closed; however, visa application centres are open and operating in Egypt and Jordan. It is longstanding government policy that we do not comment on individual cases.'
