Karl Sabbagh talks about education experiences of alumni

The AGM was followed by a fascinating talk given by our new patron, Karl Sabbagh, on ‘Looking Back – the Birzeit Experience’, in which he described the views and thoughts of Birzeit alumni members. Karl touched on various aspects including why students had chosen Birzeit.  Their responses were varied, thoughtful and significant. For example, Birzeit University, having had a long history, had produced many of the country’s leaders and was respected for it academic standards.  It provided a secular environment and a respect for personal freedoms.  The students demonstrated a strong desire to remain in Palestine to study, rather than seeking universities abroad.  This enabled them to be in close proximity to their families, communities and their culture.

The students also had interesting views on ways to improve the University, including better communications, increasing the areas of study and more facilities for staff and students e.g. free wireless internet connection.

A question regarding the impact on their lives by studying at Birzeit University elicited responses such as the encouragement of critical thinking and their social and personal development.  Most significant was an emphasis on a wider understanding of Palestinian society.

 As one student stated ’I feel that graduating from a Palestinian university made me more authentic in a sense…….’