Invest in a Future Innovator: Education Transforms Lives

Palestinian, from Gaza_strip; seeking Undergraduate degree in Artificial intelligence and is enrolled at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation.  

Hello, my name is Alaa. I'm 19 years old and I'm from Gaza, Palestine. I've always believed in the power of education to change lives and create opportunities for a better future, not just for myself but for my community. I am passionate about artificial intelligence, a field I've come to love because of its transformative potential in today's world.

I graduated high school with a 96.1% average and started my journey at the UCAS in Gaza, studying artificial intelligence. I worked hard, finishing my first year with a GPA of 95.8%, ranking first in my class. Along with academic success, I actively engaged in various student activities.

However, my dreams were shattered by the war in Gaza. It destroyed my university, home and family's livelihood. We were displaced multiple times in the Gaza Strip from the North to the South. Eventually, we found ourselves refugees in Egypt. Leaving behind our home, memories, the life we had built, and most importantly our father. Our father is the backbone of our family who remains stuck in Gaza and has lost his ability to support us financially after his workplace was destroyed by the bombing.

Despite these challenges, I persisted to seek opportunities to continue my education abroad. I received an offer to study at the University of Asia Pacific in Malaysia

Unfortunately, a new barrier now stands in my way. Due to the financial destruction my family has faced. I am unable to afford the tuition fees and living expenses required to attend APU, but now, more than ever, I am determined to pursue my studies and build a better future for myself and my family.

Why Would Donors Fund You?

Supporting my education means investing in more than just one student's future with a strong academic record. Investing in me is investing in building a positive future. I am committed to using my skills in artificial intelligence to develop solutions that address real-world challenges, benefiting whole communities. Your contribution will not only help me rebuild my life but also empower me to make a lasting impact. Empower me to inspire and uplift others facing similar hardships.

How Do You Plan to Payback?

The support I receive today will allow me to build a future where I can give back to my community in meaningful ways. During and after completing my degree, I plan to use my skills to develop solutions that directly benefit the communities in general and especially war-affected communities, like mine in Gaza. I aim to create educational programs for youth, empowering them with the skills to succeed in the tech world. Additionally, I will actively mentor students from underprivileged backgrounds, sharing the opportunities I have been given and ensuring they have the guidance and support they need to thrive. As someone who has received kindness in a time of need, it’s my responsibility to pay it forward, creating a cycle of empowerment and positive change.

Volunteer Work/Social Capital

My commitment to community service has always been a driving force in my life. I’ve actively participated in volunteer work with IEEE and the Foundation for Culture and Free Thought. I also participated in over ten youth initiatives with the Palestine Youth Team, focused on enhancing youth engagement and cultural preservation. Additionally, I served as a Student Guidance Officer at my university, helping 45 students choose their majors and guiding them through their academic paths. These experiences not only allowed me to give back to my community but also strengthened my leadership, teamwork, and mentorship skills, which I plan to continue developing and sharing with others.

What Have You Done to Improve Yourself? Awards and Achievements

Throughout my academic and personal journey, I have consistently sought to enhance my skills and knowledge. I completed advanced courses in machine learning and data analysis using Excel and Power BI and participated in workshops focused on artificial intelligence and data science. My passion for self-improvement extended beyond formal education; I utilized platforms like Udacity and Kaggle to refine my expertise in programming and AI. I participated in prestigious programming competitions, including ACPC Girls 2024 and the Palestinian Collegiate Programming Contest, where I honed my problem-solving and coding skills. I was also an active member of the AI club and participated in extracurricular activities that fostered my leadership and teamwork.