Sara is a third generation refugee. She was born in Nahr Al Bared camp and grew up in Bourj Al Barajneh refugee camp in Lebanon. At UWC Atlantic she was involved in activities with refugees in the local area and introduced Arabic language and Palestinian dabke dancing to her fellow students. She is currently studying a BS Biology and Pre-Physician Assistant Studies at Lake Forest College in the United States.
Sara told us that whilst at UWC Atlantic she “became more open-minded and found a place to flourish.”
Israa is a Palestinian refugee who was born in Rashidieh camp in Lebanon. She was supported by Horizon to attend UWC Mostar and graduated in 2020. Whilst at UWC Israa, talked with her peers about the history of Lebanon and Palestine and introduced them to Palestinian and Lebanese Dabke dance. Along with three of her classmates, Israa came first in an international BIEA STEM competition. Her group developed drone technology to protect wildlife and endangered species. Israa is currently doing undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond where she intends to major in Leadership Studies.
“At UWC my perspective about the world changed. I started looking at how small actions can make a difference. I got to know about global issues that threaten our planet and this shifted my personal choices towards becoming more sustainable. It truly shaped me for the better.”
Mohamad is a Palestinian who was born in Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon. He was supported by Horizon to attend UWC Atlantic and graduated in 2019. At UWC he helped organise a workshop on the Palestine/Israel conflict and a conversation group to explain to his peers about the difficulties faced by Palestinian refugees. He was also Chair of the Wellbeing Council where he helped organise workshops and a focus week on mental health issues. Mohamad is currently studying for a BS in Health Care Studies and a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Richmond, USA.
Yehya graduated from UWC RCN and completed a BS Mechanical Engineering at the University of Florida. At university, he has appeared on the Dean’s List and participated in an engineering design team which is built a hyperloop pod to participate in SpaceX’s hyperloop challenge. He is now working as a systems engineer for Swift Manassas in the United States.
“Horizon’s scholarship has been everything to me. Horizon gave me the opportunity to experience the world and grow. It’s been a great and wonderful journey, and I am looking forward to giving back to my community.”
