My name is Nour, and I am Palestinian from Gaza, currently based in the UK. I am raising funds for my sister Farah (23 years old) in Gaza, who, despite surviving over two years of genocidal violence and systematic destruction, has held on to her dreams with incredible strength and determination.
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More on Farah:
Farah is a young, talented, and courageous woman from Gaza. A storyteller, youth advocate, and community leader whose determination has never wavered, even in the darkest of times.
She is studying for her Bachelor’s degree in Radio and Television in the Journalism Department at Al-Aqsa University. Before the genocide, she was already known for her creativity and leadership.
Farah also competed with the University Debate Team and won first place across all universities in the Gaza Strip, proving her ability to speak powerfully and be a voice for underrepresented youth and women in her community (Photo attached).
Farah never stopped dreaming. She took journalism courses to strengthen her skills, worked as a presenter on a youth TV program, and served as a youth activist with PalThink, where she advocated for young people and women.
Her spirit extended beyond academics. Farah is a passionate horse rider, a football player, and someone who brings joy into every space she enters.
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During the Genocide:
In October 2023, the genocide in Gaza began, and everything changed.
Farah had to survive displacement, fear, grief, and starvation. Even though access to the internet and electricity was extremely limited, she never gave up on her dream of pursuing her studies. She walked miles to get internet access in order to take her exams.
Despite all the struggles, Farah remained active, proactive, and deeply committed to supporting her community. During displacement and starvation, she participated in a short film about the destruction of education in Gaza, a powerful film about scholasticide, which was later screened at the 2025 annual meeting of Friends of Palestine Universities (FOPZU).
During this time, Farah also self-taught herself Spanish, preparing for opportunities she hoped would one day come, and practised knitting as a coping mechanism during the most difficult days (Photos attached).
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The Opportunity in Chile:
Despite the unimaginable circumstances, my sister has been awarded a partial scholarship to continue her studies in the Faculty of Communication in Santiago, Chile. This scholarship covers one full year of tuition fees, but it does not include any living expenses. Without additional support, she will not be able to take up this life-changing opportunity.
Even in the midst of war and displacement, my sister taught herself Chilean Spanish in preparation for this opportunity (photo attached). However, to succeed academically and truly integrate into life in Chile, she urgently needs formal language courses, in addition to basic living support and mandatory international health insurance, which is required for the student visa process and essential for her safety and access to medical care.
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How This Fundraiser Will Help:
This fundraiser will help cover one full year of essential living expenses in Santiago, Spanish language courses, and required international health insurance, so Farah can study safely, access medical care, rebuild her life, and move forward with hope.
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Budget Summary (12 Months – Santiago, GBP):
Living expenses:
£9,000 for one year
(Includes rent, utilities, food, transport, phone, healthcare, study materials, and an emergency buffer)
Spanish language courses:
£1,340 (course and materials)
International health insurance (required):
£900
Student visa fee:
£120
Fundraising goal ~ £11,500
covering living costs, language courses, health insurance, visa fees, and a small safety buffer.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting Farah in starting a new life.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Nour