**Gaza Medical Students Get UK Studies Funded**
Two medical students from Gaza, Mariam and Layla, will get to study in the UK without worrying about the cost. This is thanks to a charity called The Hanoon Foundation (THF), which has donated £78,000 to support their studies.
Mariam and Layla were unable to study in Gaza because all universities there have been damaged or destroyed. They are among the first students from Gaza to come to the UK under the University of Leicester’s Displaced Medical Student Initiative. This initiative helps students whose studies have been affected by war, natural disasters, or persecution worldwide.
The four-year course for Mariam and Layla will be funded entirely by THF. The university has also waived tuition fees for these students, and a fund is being set up to support future initiatives like this one.
**A Chance to Rebuild**
Dr Ahmed Massoud, chairman of THF, said that the charity is “proud” to support Mariam and Layla in their studies. He believes that students like them will be essential in rebuilding the healthcare system in Gaza and the rest of Palestine.
Mariam and Layla’s stories are heartbreaking. They have seen firsthand the devastation caused by the war in Gaza. Mariam said that coming to study in Leicester was a chance to hold onto hope, while Layla expressed her desire to return to Gaza and help rebuild it.
**A Step Forward**
Prof Shameq Sayeed, Director of International Teaching Partnerships at the University of Leicester, sees this funding as a step forward for Mariam and Layla. He believes that removing one barrier – in this case, financial constraints – will allow them to complete their studies and return to Gaza as doctors.
The story of these two medical students is a reminder of the challenges faced by many people around the world due to conflict and persecution. It also highlights the importance of initiatives like the Displaced Medical Student Initiative and the support of charities like THF in helping those affected.
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