FURTHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Maha Shuayb

Lebanese, PhD Education, University of Cambridge, 2000/04

Since completing her PhD, Maha has worked as a senior researcher at the National Foundation for Educational Research and as a visiting scholar at the American University of Beirut (AUB). She has conducted a number of research projects including Young People's Political, Social and Civic Attitudes in Faith and Secular Schools in Lebanon and School Effectiveness in UNRWA's Secondary Schools in the Palestinian Refugee Camps in Lebanon. She is currently directing an action research project which pilots an alternative model to the subject-based approach adopted by most schools in Lebanon. The model, which offers a multi-dimensional approach to education for social cohesion, is being applied in four public and private schools in Lebanon and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Maha is currently a fellow of the Centre for Lebanese Studies.

Hussein Jabareen

Palestinian, MSc Development Studies, University of Glasgow, 2007/08

On his return to Palestine, Hussein resumed his work at Hebron University as an assistant professor in the Community and Public Health/Development Studies Department and was recently promoted to Dean of the Faculty of Nursing. In addition to formal courses, the Faculty of Nursing cooperates with local organisations on a number of health projects and initiatives such as workshops, in cooperation with Palestinian Ministry of Health, on the epidemiology of non-communicable diseases and the health needs of thalassemia patients. Hussein has published a book, entitled, "Fundamentals of Public Health" and has also authored two papers, "The Health-Poverty Cycle" and "Does Aid Work from a Developmental Perspective?" Both papers have been submitted to journals and are awaiting publication.

Mona Abdeljawad

Jordanian, MSt International Human Rights Law, University of Oxford, 2006/7

Prior to being awarded a Foundation scholarship in 2005, Mona Abdeljawad worked for Save the Children US as a Credit Officer on a "Group Guaranteed Lending and Saving Programme" and established the Jordan branch of the Landmine Survivors Network (LSN). Mona's work with LSN introduced her to the
field of international law and she played an active part in the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and was part of the international team which drafted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

On completion of her MSt in International Human Rights Law at the University of Oxford, she returned to Jordan and now works as the Assistant Secretary General of the Higher Council for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities. She is now considered an expert on International Disability Law and addresses the topic at major conferences and events.

Fadi Bala'awi

Jordanian, Conservation Science, UCL, 2004/5

Fadi is a conservation scientist. He was supported by the Foundation at University College London for his research on Petra in Jordan, one of the world's most famous archaeological sites. Since his return to Jordan, Fadi has been employed as consultant and special advisor for the Salt Ecomuseum and Old Salt Museum and as assistant professor of archaeological conservation science at the Hashemite University. Fadi is also a regular contributor to international and archaeological conferences and has co-ordinated museum visitor study workshops and learning through museum workshops for the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Mona Al Haj Hussain

Syrian, MSc Mother and Child Health, Institute of Child Health, London, 2002/03

Mona graduated from Aleppo University as a medical doctor, specialising in paediatrics. After graduation, she worked for nine years for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) providing primary and community health care for Palestinian refugees in Syria. Mona worked as medical director for community health care, mother and child health doctor and non-communicable diseases doctor. Soon after completing her Foundation-sponsored MA in the UK, Mona returned home to work for the UNFPA as reproductive health programme officer for Syria. At UNFPA, she was involved in strategic planning, the development of the country plan and implementation and monitoring of programmes. During the war on Lebanon in July 2006 she was also involved in assisting the refugees that arrived in large numbers in Syria. From December 2006 until the beginning of 2008, Mona worked for the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs. She recently completed a one-month World Health Organisation course in Geneva on reproductive health research and has also assisted the Foundation's Syria Programme as a Child Development Advisor for its programme evaluation.

Manal Awad

Palestinian, MA Theatre Directing, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, 2009/10

Since completing her course Manal has returned to Ramallah where she is the artistic director of Haya theatre company. The company has recently been involved in three projects addressing the role of young people in society and elections. Two of the shows were produced as mobile theatre and performed across Palestine in open spaces. The third was a stand-up comedy show addressing political and social issues. Manal also acted in the third series of the televised political satire Watan a Watar which was controversially taken off air by the general attorney. The censorship is being challenged in the Palestinian courts. Manal is also involved in stand-up comedy training and a theatre training project for young people in detention.