Rasha Abu Sha'ban, Student

I have two married brothers, one studying in Gaza and the other in Britain, and two sisters at home. Last summer, I completed my studies at the Islamic University in Gaza and received a bachelor's degree in English. My grades were very good.

During my last semester, I applied to Aberdeen University, in Scotland, for admission to an MA program. I wanted to write my masters' thesis on Jerusalem. About two months later, I received a letter in which school officials set a time for a telephone interview. They interviewed me and about a week later, I was notified by e-mail that I had been accepted.  I obtained a fellowship from the al-Maktum Institute.

In August 2007, I applied for a student visa at the British offices in Gaza and received it a few days afterwards. However, the border crossings were closed, so I couldn't exit Gaza. I was supposed to begin my studies in September 2007.

After the studies began, I kept in contact with the university through the Internet. I explained to them that the closure prevented my arrival at the university. They told me I had to get there because classes had begun. They asked me if there was some other way I could travel.
In November, al-Maktum informed me they had cancelled the fellowship because I had not arrived at the university. They said I could apply for a fellowship for the following year.
In May 2008, I reapplied for the fellowship. They interviewed me again and informed me, in July, that I had been granted the fellowship.

I very much want to continue my studies, and I follow the news all the time, but I am losing hope. I intend to register for a computer course in Gaza so I don't waste my time. I looked for work, but couldn't find any because there are lots of people in Gaza with a BA and not many available positions. My parents still give me pocket money. My father is already old, 67. I wanted to be the one helping my parents, and not vice versa.  

Whenever an announcement is made for registration of students stuck in Gaza, I sign up with the hope that I can go. So far, my hope has not been realized.

Rasha Nabil Mahmoud Abu Sha'ban, 23, is a student and a resident of Gaza City. Her testimony was given to Khaled 'Azayzeh on 28 July 2008 at the witness's home.