Exeter advises on higher education scheme for Palestine

HESPAL, an initiative created by the British Council in partnership with BIS, with additional support from Consolidated Contractors Ltd, The Pears Foundation, The Arab Palestinian Investment Company and Sir Trevor Chinn will help to create the next generation of senior academics equipped to provide international quality standards in Palestinian Higher Education as well as increase sustainable links between Palestinian and UK Universities.

Dr Withrington has been advising the British Council and BIS on the scheme.

The scholarship programme will see up to 10 academics each year from Palestinian Universities sponsored to complete a year’s postgraduate study at one of the partner Universities in the UK with a focus on particular areas of study including: finance, business, education, IT, physics, chemistry, engineering, agriculture, water management, Law and International Development.

Besides Exeter, the UK universities taking part in the scheme are: City, Essex, Kings College London, London School of Economics, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford Brookes, School of Oriental and African Studies, and Sussex. Each university has pledged to offer one scholarship per year for four years. Applicants for scholarships will be sought from all 10 Universities in Palestine based on a rigorous selection process.

Welcoming the scheme Minister of State for Higher Education, David Lammy said, “In countries all over the world, the link between a burgeoning HE sector and a thriving economy is clear. Through training the next generation of academic leaders, HESPAL will make a real difference to local communities in Palestine, benefit the academic community and the wider society and re-energise the economy.”

Dr John Withrington said: “It is a privilege to be involved in a scheme that will provide such a benefit to Palestinian people. Exeter is a University with an increasingly international outlook – we have research partnerships worldwide and students from across the globe. We very much look forward to welcoming a professor from Palestine through this scholarship scheme.”

Sandra Hamrouni, Director, British Council Palestine commented: “HESPAL will have a direct role in developing the quality of higher education in Palestine, building mutual links between the people of the UK and Palestine and developing further opportunities for cross-cultural engagement.”