Irish college scholarships can help to rebuild Gaza

The reconstruction of Gaza is a priority for the international community. Education is central. Irish third-level institutions can contribute.

Our colleges and the Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan, should set up Gaza scholarships. These scholarships, especially in medicine and nursing, horticulture and engineering, would contribute to the rebuilding of Gaza’s infrastructure where it matters most; investing in young people.

By taking the lead within the European Union in establishing these scholarships, Ireland would serve as an example, encouraging other countries to follow.

The cumulative effect would be a significant investment in the reconstruction of Gaza.

For Ireland, the funding requirement would be minimal. Nor would it be complicated.

The initiative simply needs to be supported by the president of each institution and taken to the governing body, ideally with the endorsement of the Minister for Education, working with the authorities in Gaza.

By taking a collective initiative, coordinated by the Higher Education Authority, with the Association of University Presidents, the impact of the initiative, and its visibility across the EU, would be maximised.

What changes lives, changes economies.

The Gaza scholarships would do both.

Professor Ray Kinsella

Cronroe

Ashford

Co Wicklow