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Sana el-Azab’s journey from Deir al-Balah in Gaza to Durham, England, represents a significant shift in both location and circumstances. After being evacuated with 33 other students, Sana arrived in the UK last month, smiling and making a peace sign by Durham Cathedral. Reflecting on her experience, she describes the stark contrast between Gaza and Durham as being like moving to another planet rather than just another world.
In Durham, the 29-year-old former teacher was awarded a scholarship at Durham University to study educational leadership and change. Despite facing weeks of uncertainty, political and academic lobbying efforts eventually paid off, allowing Sana and other Gazan students with fully-funded places to come to the UK. The journey to Durham marked a new chapter for Sana and her fellow students, who have now spoken publicly about their experiences.
The educational landscape in Gaza has faced immense challenges, with all formal education at Al-Azhar University put on hold since 2023 due to airstrikes and destruction. Sana, who previously set up a makeshift school in Gaza to educate displaced children, highlights the urgent need for educational opportunities. The arrival of 58 students from Gaza to study in the UK is seen as a crucial step in rebuilding Gaza’s future.
Despite the relief and gratitude of making it to the UK, Sana grapples with complex emotions of pride and guilt for leaving behind loved ones in challenging circumstances. The evacuation process, coordinated by academic Nora Parr, has been arduous but necessary to provide opportunities for Gazan students to thrive. Sana’s hope is to gain knowledge and skills in the UK to contribute to positive change upon returning to Gaza
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