Support a Gay Arab's Education Abroad
Donation protected
Our friend is a 24 year old, Palestinian Jordanian residing in Jordan, who was just awarded a full scholarship to pursue a double masters degree program in Europe, starting in September. However, due to financial complications he won't be able to accept the scholarship, which is why we are trying to support him. Due to the lack of protection for the LBGTQ+ community in Jordan and social repercussions he will remain anon. We will try to share as much as we can about his personal story, without giving his identity away.
He was awarded a very competitive, merit based, fully funded scholarship for a two year program in two european countries, with an acceptance rate at approx. 3%. His scholarship grants 100% of the tuition, and a basic living stipend. However, he still needs our help with funding in buying a laptop to travel expenses like his visa, airfare, rental deposits, and other basic necessities. For some of us, these things wouldn’t stop us from pursuing an opportunity, but if he isn't able to secure this amount by the beginning of September, he wont be able to pursue it, as his program starts on the second week of September.
Through the pandemic he has lost the short term jobs he could find, and had to use his savings to support his family as his father stopped receiving his retirement funds. He is currently earning wages on the side doing yard work and selling plants online, but this barely covers daily expenses, and won’t be enough to secure his place in the program. Being the oldest of his siblings he has continuously had to make the decision to put his family first before his own well-being. This has always dragged him down and continues to affect him mentally, as he always needs to choose between himself or his family. Which already adds a lot to the plight of a queer individual in the middle east, who is desperately looking for acceptance, fighting discrimination, and is always trying to hide himself in fear of disownment or worse. Accepting this scholarship will not only allow him to continue his education but will also allow him the freedom to be his authentic self.
Our friend is an incredible human being who has a deep love for people and our planet. His BSC degree is Plant Protection in Agriculture and he has devoted his education and career to sustainability and protecting our earth. He has worked very hard to get where he is today through multiple past scholarships and study abroad programs all over the world. His area of focus for his two MSC Degrees will be in Plant Health.
He has the kindest soul and an infectious light. He gives so much of himself to others without thinking about himself. He has already done the hard job of obtaining a very prestigious scholarship, and he shouldn't turn it down. He’s always fought for his place in the world, mentally, socially and financially, but now needs a little push from us to get him where he deserves to be. Help us get him to Europe, this is the turning point in his life, and this program will help him secure a better life for himself and his family.
We weren't able to share more details about the struggles he’s facing because of his sexuality. However, he would love to chat with anyone who wants to know more about his story and how they can help. Reach out to @bree_135 on instagram and we will connect you.
He was awarded a very competitive, merit based, fully funded scholarship for a two year program in two european countries, with an acceptance rate at approx. 3%. His scholarship grants 100% of the tuition, and a basic living stipend. However, he still needs our help with funding in buying a laptop to travel expenses like his visa, airfare, rental deposits, and other basic necessities. For some of us, these things wouldn’t stop us from pursuing an opportunity, but if he isn't able to secure this amount by the beginning of September, he wont be able to pursue it, as his program starts on the second week of September.
Through the pandemic he has lost the short term jobs he could find, and had to use his savings to support his family as his father stopped receiving his retirement funds. He is currently earning wages on the side doing yard work and selling plants online, but this barely covers daily expenses, and won’t be enough to secure his place in the program. Being the oldest of his siblings he has continuously had to make the decision to put his family first before his own well-being. This has always dragged him down and continues to affect him mentally, as he always needs to choose between himself or his family. Which already adds a lot to the plight of a queer individual in the middle east, who is desperately looking for acceptance, fighting discrimination, and is always trying to hide himself in fear of disownment or worse. Accepting this scholarship will not only allow him to continue his education but will also allow him the freedom to be his authentic self.
Our friend is an incredible human being who has a deep love for people and our planet. His BSC degree is Plant Protection in Agriculture and he has devoted his education and career to sustainability and protecting our earth. He has worked very hard to get where he is today through multiple past scholarships and study abroad programs all over the world. His area of focus for his two MSC Degrees will be in Plant Health.
He has the kindest soul and an infectious light. He gives so much of himself to others without thinking about himself. He has already done the hard job of obtaining a very prestigious scholarship, and he shouldn't turn it down. He’s always fought for his place in the world, mentally, socially and financially, but now needs a little push from us to get him where he deserves to be. Help us get him to Europe, this is the turning point in his life, and this program will help him secure a better life for himself and his family.
We weren't able to share more details about the struggles he’s facing because of his sexuality. However, he would love to chat with anyone who wants to know more about his story and how they can help. Reach out to @bree_135 on instagram and we will connect you.
Organizer
Brianne Benedict
Organizer
Portland, OR