My name is Hamza Azmi Salem Qudaih, and I am a final-year student of Mechanical Engineering at the Islamic University of Gaza. As I stand on the threshold of completing my degree, I find myself in a difficult position—caught between my dreams of becoming a professional engineer and the harsh realities of war, displacement, and financial hardship. I am writing to share my story and explain how contributions from generous donors could make a life-changing impact on my education and future.

From a very young age, I was fascinated by how machines work, how structures are built, and how engineering shapes the world around us. Growing up in Gaza, where daily life is marked by challenges, I witnessed how essential engineers are in rebuilding infrastructure, creating innovative solutions for water and energy shortages, and improving people’s quality of life. This environment inspired me to choose Mechanical Engineering as my field of study. I wanted not only to learn how things function but also to apply my knowledge in ways that could help my community survive and grow despite the hardships.

The journey to this point has not been easy. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has repeatedly disrupted my education. There were times when my university was closed due to airstrikes, when I studied by candlelight because of constant power cuts, and when my family and I were displaced from our home. Despite these struggles, I persevered. Each obstacle became a test of my determination, reminding me that my education is not only for myself but also for the people who believe in me and for the community that needs skilled engineers to rebuild and thrive.

Currently, my biggest challenge is financial. Due to the war and displacement, my family has lost its primary sources of income. As I approach my final semester, I am unable to pay the tuition and registration fees required to graduate. Without financial assistance, years of hard work and sacrifice could go to waste, and my dream of becoming an engineer may remain unfulfilled. A donor’s contribution would not just cover my immediate educational expenses; it would unlock the door to my future. It would allow me to graduate on time, apply my knowledge in real-world projects, and pursue further opportunities to advance my skills.

What drives me the most is a motivational experience I carry deep inside. During the war, I volunteered in shelter centers to help displaced families. I saw children without schools, parents without jobs, and entire communities in need of basic infrastructure. In those moments, I realized that education is more than a personal goal—it is a responsibility. I promised myself that if I completed my engineering studies, I would dedicate my career to developing projects that provide clean water, renewable energy, and sustainable housing for people in crisis areas like Gaza.

With your support, I can keep this promise. Your contribution will not only help me graduate but will also invest in a future where I, as a mechanical engineer, can make a lasting difference. I believe that education is the strongest tool against despair, and with your generosity, I will be able to transform hardship into hope, for myself and for others.

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Hamza Azmi Qudaih | Khan Younis, Palestine

Major: Mechanical Engineering