Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is set to explore ways to allow students in Gaza and the West Bank continue and expand their studies, particularly in areas that will contribute to the rebuilding of the region.
The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, visited ATU's Sligo campus today to discuss opportunities for collaboration in online and flexible learning, as well as possible research partnerships.
ATU is set to explore avenues to collaborate with Palestinian universities to provide specialised courses tailored to the immediate needs of Gaza and the West Bank.
Proposed areas of focus include engineering and construction, project management, water treatment and environmental management, amongst other subjects.
Dr Abdalmajid said: "We have been discussing this for the past few months with our Palestinian universities and they are really welcoming.
"We’re talking in particular about online learning, which Atlantic Technological University already give a good example of a working platform, an active and successful platform.
"We want to give this to help our students from Gaza, not to leave Gaza, to give them support for their education through the online platforms.
"The Palestinian children, adults, and young people, the whole population in Gaza, they passed through a very difficult trauma.
"The focus on education and the ways of bringing them back to schools or in groups, as if they are in class, would give them hope."
ATU President Dr Orla Flynn welcomed the visit from Dr Abdalmajid and said it was an opportunity to explore how ATU can assist third-level education in Palestine.
Dr Flynn said: "This initiative is at an exploratory stage, focusing on how ATU could possibly collaborate with universities in Gaza to support students and lecturers in continuing their studies during exceptionally challenging circumstances.
"With our experience in delivering remote learning globally, we are examining how we might contribute to helping Palestinian students and educators access education and resources in ways that suit their unique needs."
During her address to students and staff today, Dr Abdalmajid focused on fostering connections to provide students with opportunities to overcome educational challenges in a region affected by conflict.
The meeting between ATU and the Palestinian Ambassador identified ways in which the university’s expertise can complement the aspirations of Palestinian universities, particularly in advancing education that contributes to societal and infrastructural reconstruction.
