Gaza Virtual University (GVU) supports the vitality of institutions of higher learning in Palestine through international collaboration.
All of Gaza’s university campuses have been demolished by Israel, and many students, faculty, and administrators have been killed or maimed. While Gazan academics have persevered through decades of precarious living conditions and repression, the widespread destruction wrought in this war will likely push many to leave permanently to countries ready to accept these highly trained emigres. Given the cost and incubation period needed to produce PhDs, Gaza may become a higher education desert, depriving the Strip of a critical engine of its cultural and economic advancement.
Mission. Gaza Virtual University develops and operates a network of international universities and academics who support the continuity and advancement of higher learning institutions in Palestine. In particular, GVU:
· operates an information clearinghouse on the status of urgent needs identified by Gaza’s universities as they resume operation,
· solicits international academic institutions and individual academics for teaching, research, and administrative support,
· connects professors in Gaza with paid teaching, research, and consulting opportunities in the network,
· recruits and appoints international academics to serve as volunteer GVU “faculty,” mirroring a university structure with departments and schools,
· coordinates teams of GVU faculty who seek funding (e.g. project proposals, donations) on behalf of Palestinian (with special focus on Gaza initially) universities that request such assistance, and
· serves as an information clearinghouse on philanthropic or other funding opportunities for Palestinian universities.
· connects students from around the world with students in Palestine through activities such as tutoring, peer advising, hackathons, global design challenges (not an immediate goal).
American University of Beirut
Birzeit University
Polytechnic University
