Amidst the ongoing war, the resilience and determination of four Gazan students have illuminated a path of hope and inspiration. These students will not be alone in their journey; they are surrounded by the Horizons community of staff and students, who are willing to support them in this transition and in every step of their future education.
Anastasia Yacoub stands as a shining example of perseverance. Despite losing her home, school and everything she owns and knows, she persevered and received offers from two prestigious boarding schools: UWC and Emma Willard School in New York, USA. She accepted the Emma Willard School offer and will graduate from one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the US.
Joining Anastasia in this extraordinary achievement are Ibrahim Halabi and Mustafa Saleh, who have both received offers from UWC - Adriatic and UWC East Africa respectively. Despite the challenges they faced, they remained steadfast in their pursuit of education, the only tool that has the power to change their lives for the better. UWC Adriatic stands out for its picturesque location in Italy, where students benefit from a rich cultural heritage and a close-knit community that emphasizes diversity and collaboration. Ibrahim will join Shuieb Khweis from Jerusalem as the 2nd Horizons Academy scholar to attend UWC Adriatic.
Mustafa will attend UWC East Africa, located in Tanzania, which provides students with opportunities for personal growth through service-oriented learning, outdoor adventures, and immersion in African culture, while also emphasizing global citizenship and environmental stewardship. He will be joining Yousof Sabbeh, a fellow Gazan and Horizons Academy scholar at UWC East Africa.
Similarly, Abdulrahman Al Qumbuz received a boarding school offer from UWC USA. He will be the first Horizons Academy scholar to attend UWC USA, which is situated in the stunning landscapes of New Mexico and offers a dynamic learning environment that encourages students to explore their passions, embrace sustainability, and make a positive impact on society.
The challenges of the past months have been immense, testing the limits of perseverance and resolve. Yet, through it all, these students have emerged stronger, their determination unyielding in the face of adversity. Their remarkable achievements remind us of the transformative power of education and the human spirit to overcome even the greatest of challenges. As we celebrate the accomplishments of Anastasia, Ibrahim, Mustafa, and Abdulrahman, Horizons Academy pledges to continue its support to nurture and empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Their resilience and determination offer hope for a brighter tomorrow, where peace and prosperity prevail.
