Supporting Palestinian students studying in SETU

Hi, my name is Méabh Savage and I am a staff member of Waterford’s South East Technological University and member of SETU’s Gather for Palestine group (see website www.gatherforpalestine.ie). I am running the Berlin marathon on September 21st to raise funds for Palestinian students attending SETU who are arriving here as part of the Gaza Scholarship Initiative ( GSI) and who are recipients of SETU’s Sanctuary Scholarship. GSI is a voluntary coalition of concerned citizens who are responding to the destruction of Gaza’s educational infrastructure and the lasting consequences this will have for the Palestinian people. This initiative recognises the importance of education as a tool for social justice & as a humanitarian response to the horrendous genocide that is continuing in Gaza. The Sanctuary Scholarship Scheme ( SSS) in SETU is currently hosting 4 Gaza students, with two more recently arriving from Gaza in collaboration with the GSI. While the SSS provides accommodation & a small stipend, there are additional living costs and support needs for students who are arriving with absolutely nothing! There are delays also in receiving funding as the term has yet to start! As a strong advocate of education as a tool for social justice and in response to the dire need to support people in Gaza, I am using this opportunity of running the marathon in Berlin to fund raise some funds which can be used to provide the students with support for additional costs that are not covered by current funding on their arrival in Ireland. The funds will be shared by me with the Gather for Palestine group who will distribute it to the students to help with the cost of clothes, food, books etc. Do not hesitate to ask any questions! Thank you fir your kindness and support, Méabh