From Gaza to Global Excellence: A Scholarship Success Story
In a testament to perseverance and the transformative power of education, Dr. Hanadi Y.M. Shaheen, a Palestinian medical graduate from Gaza, has emerged as the top-performing student at Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) in Indonesia. With a near-perfect GPA of 3.89, she earned the prestigious cum laude distinction after six years of rigorous study in the university’s renowned medical program.
Her journey began in 2018 when she secured the Unhas Scholarship, a financial aid program designed to support international students. For Hanadi, this opportunity was not just academic—it was a lifeline. “I chose Unhas because of its outstanding reputation in medical education,” she shared. “But more than that, it was a chance to gain skills that I could bring back to my people in Palestine.”
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has made education a rare privilege for many Palestinians. Hanadi’s success underscores the critical role of international scholarships in empowering students from crisis-stricken regions. “The situation back home was my biggest motivation,” she said. “I wanted to become a doctor who could make a difference.”
Overcoming Barriers: Language, Culture, and Resilience
Adapting to a new country was no small feat. When Hanadi arrived in Indonesia, she spoke little Bahasa Indonesia. Yet, with unwavering support from faculty and staff, she not only mastered the language but thrived academically. “The lecturers and administration were incredibly patient and encouraging,” she recalled. “This was the best experience of my life.”
Her gratitude extends beyond the classroom. Hanadi hopes her story will inspire more Palestinian students—and others from conflict zones—to pursue education abroad. “Unhas is an excellent choice for medical studies, and I will always recommend it,” she affirmed.
A Call for Solidarity: Medical Collaboration for Palestine
As Hanadi prepares to return to Gaza, her vision extends beyond personal achievement. She dreams of fostering medical partnerships between Indonesia and Palestine, particularly in specialized training. “I plan to pursue further studies so I can better serve my community,” she said. “But we also need international support—better resources, more trained professionals, and sustainable healthcare solutions.”
Her emotional appeal resonates deeply amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “I hope for peace and independence for Palestine,” she added. “Until then, we must keep striving, learning, and supporting one another.”
Unhas’ Commitment to Global Humanitarian Impact
Professor Jamaluddin Jompa, Rector of Unhas, emphasized the university’s role in nurturing global changemakers. “Dr. Hanadi’s success reflects our commitment to humanity,” he stated. “By educating students from Palestine, we contribute to tangible, long-term change in regions that need it most.”
He highlighted the ripple effect of such scholarships: “When these students return home, they become agents of progress. In Gaza, where healthcare is urgently needed, Hanadi’s skills will save lives.”
A Beacon of Hope for Palestine’s Future
Hanadi’s story is more than an academic milestone—it’s a narrative of resilience, global solidarity, and the enduring power of education. As she returns to Gaza, her journey serves as a reminder that scholarships do more than fund degrees; they rebuild communities.
For international readers, her triumph is a call to action: supporting education in Palestine isn’t just an investment in individuals—it’s a step toward healing a fractured region.
