My name is Christine Orkisz Lang . I am a retired international school principal living in Austria. I mentor an extraordinary 17-year-old young woman named Rima Saleh, who lives in Gaza, who has just been accepted to the International Art Preparation Program at the Atelier de Sèvres in Paris. This gives her a chance to leave her war-torn country and pursue her education, as so many young people around the world are able to do.

When I first met Rima through the Girls Gearing Up Leadership Academy , she was living in a tent, attending classes online despite war, displacement, and a near-total lack of resources. Today, she and her mother live in a single borrowed room in Gaza, unsure how long they can stay. The flour has run out, the internet is intermittent, and the bombing has started again. But through it all, Rima works each day to study and improve her life.

At the Atelier de Sèvres, Rima dreams of using art to tell the stories of growing up in difficult conditions, and still believing in a better world. She earned her place in this esteemed course through merit, passion, and perseverance. And she needs help to get there.

We are urgently raising funds to cover the minimum required to transport her safely out of Gaza and into school. Without the visa registration documents, Rima cannot leave Gaza.

Urgent need (visa & travel): €1940 by 7 July 2025 (MET! THANK YOU!!!)

Full fundraising goal: €21,400

Needs List

Rima’s Words

“I don’t want to be defined by war. I want to create. I want to live. I want to tell stories that help others feel seen.”

How You Can Help

Thank you for believing in Rima! In today's uncertain world, hope prevails when we work together.

Transparency & Guarantee

If Rima is unable to leave Gaza, the funds raised will be used to support her and her family in the best way possible. Your generosity will never be wasted—we are committed to full transparency and accountability throughout this journey.