Hi, my name is Ariel Collins and I live in Portland, OR United States. I am starting this fundraiser for my dear friend Saja. I have had the pleasure and honor to get to know Saja and her family over the past 9 months. Saja is just 18 years old and is extremely dedicated to finishing her high school degree. This dream of hers to prepare herself for university was crushed when the occupation destroyed all schools and opportunities for the students of Gaza to continue their education. Did you know that Palestine has one of the highest literacy rates in the world? Higher than the United States.

I have been so inspired by Saja’s commitment to finish school even under bombs. This comes at a price though. Since schools were closed she diligently completes her courses online but this does cost money. She needs our support and I hope together we can stand with Saja and help her complete her studies. She appreciates every donation and together we can help her accomplish her dreams.

Here are Saja’s own words:

I am Saja Abu Jarir from Gaza. I am 18 years old. I lost my father when I was two years old due to brutal targeting by the occupation. It was difficult for me. I grew up under my mother's wing. It is very difficult to live without a father. Before the war, I was preparing myself for a very important stage, which is high school. I prepared myself to study, work hard, and get high grades in the exams, but something happened that I did not expect (the devastating Gaza war). I was displaced with my family without food, shelter, or cover to protect me from the cold of winter, to escape the accursed shells.

Our lives have changed a lot. I have suffered a lot with my family. It is difficult to provide water, electricity, and food due to the aid going to the markets and being sold. Our home was badly destroyed and we were left homeless on the streets and living in tents. We have returned to our damaged home and now ask for your support in continuing my education and supporting me in being able to buy the most basic necessities. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my story. I appreciate every donation, no matter how small.

funds for this campaign will be used for:

online educational courses, food, water, clothing, personal hygiene and cleaning products and medicine when needed.

Funds will be transferred to Saja from my Wells Fargo account link to this fundraiser to Saja through Western Union.