The trustees held a welcoming dinner for the new students at West Lodge. We spent a very nice time chatting with our new students about their new experiences and study. We wish them all the best with their master’s study!

Our scholar for 2020-21, Ala Mustafa, graduated in September 2021 with a merit in her MSc in Health Psychology and has returned to the West Bank where she almost immediately found a job in a research clinic in Ramallah, where she has already been promoted and says that she is greatly enjoying helping people with mental health problems there. She hopes before too long to study for a Ph. D. in Psychology. Despite the difficulties of studying last academic year, she greatly enjoyed her time at St Andrews and wishes to thank all those whose help allowed her to come here.

We are delighted to welcome our new scholar Wafaa from Beit Hanoun, Gaza Strip. Wafaa is doing an MSc in International Development Practice. We wish her all the best in her study. Here are a few words from our scholar:
“My name is Wafaa Alzaanin, I am a motivated female dentist from Gaza, Palestine. I was honored this year to be a STEPS scholar to study master’s degree at the University of St Andrews. Being a student at St-Andrews University means being in a diverse environment where every day I learn new skills, make new friendships, and communicate with different people from different backgrounds. I cannot say how much I enjoy pursuing my master’s degree here. STEPS gave me the best experience in my life “

A very warm welcome to our scholar for this year, Ala’ Mustafa. Ala’, from Al-Fara’ camp in the village of Tubas, northern West Bank, is studying for an MSc in health psychology. We wish her every success, especially at this difficult time.

On Friday 24th January, 7.30pm, Colinsburgh Community Cinema will be presenting a screening of the Palestinian film Lemon Tree. Entry will be £4.

Lemon Tree, starring renowned Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass, tells the story of a Palestinian widow has to stand up against her new neighbour, the Israeli Defence Minister, when he moves into his new house opposite her lemon grove on the green line border between Israel and the West Bank.  The Israeli security forces are quick to declare the lemon trees pose a threat to the Minister’s safety and issue orders to uproot the trees.

We’re delighted to announce our latest graduation. Nahil Al-Rumi, pictured here with her supervisor, attended the University of St Andrews’ graduation ceremony on 4th December to collect her Master’s degree. Nahil, who is already a qualified medical doctor, is continuing to learn having one a place as a clinical fellow at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

We’re delighted to learn of the launch of STEPS alumna Meera Albaba has fulfilled her dream of a launching a fashion brand in Gaza.

Pictured above: Karma Khayal modelling a long blazer dress. You can see more of Meera’s amazing designs here: https://www.instagram.com/meera_adnan/

The University of St Andrews is now accepting applications from potential STEPS scholars. To apply, please go to https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate/scholarships/steps/

STEPS held its autumn event, “Palestinian Stories” on 7th November in the Undercroft, St John’s House, 61-75 South Street from 6.15-9.00pm. Heartfelt thanks to Jordan Valley Wholefoods for providing wonderful food and to John Stewart for photography, but most of all to our scholars Noor and Nadine for responding to audience questions after a showing of the harrowing film “Born in Gaza”.