"I would like to thank MECA for the scholarship and for your care for the students in Gaza, especially in this difficult financial period caused by the war and siege. The scholarship comes at a great time for me because I couldn't afford the tuition to continue my studies this year. I love to work with people and to help them and this is the reason that I am studying in the Medical College. I'm happy because I can be a volunteer in Al-Taher Center now and help my community while I continue my studies."
-Taghreed Al-Amawi, 22-year-old medical student at Al-Azhar University, Gaza

Sadam and Mazen, two of FoDI's graduates

"We feel especially gratified because, despite the continuing devasatation of the Palestinian economy under Occupation, where unemployment has skyrocketed, Friends of Deir Ibzi'a Scholarship Fund graduates are finding satisfying employment that contributes to their society. Although Sadam struggled as a cab driver for a while after graduation — as he had before entering university on his Friends of Deir Ibzi’a scholarship — he persisted and eventually landed a job as an accountant for the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Another graduate, Samia, works as a translator for the United Nations, while Ahmed works for the Agricultural Ministry. Our most recent graduate, Mazen, hopes to find a good job in his field of finance."

-Friends of Deir Ibzi'a