Update on DSMT’s final HE scholarship
In 2022 DSMT awarded our final HE scholarship, to be administered by UK charity Friends of Birzeit University*. Sadly the first recipient withdrew from her course after one year. The scholarship was then awarded to another student who had already successfully completed her first year. Sara Dalloul is studying English Language and Literature at Birzeit University. Disruption to university education and travel in the West Bank has greatly increased since October 2023 but Sarah managed to complete her third year with very good grades in summer 2025, with a mix of face to face and online tuition. She is now in her fourth year.
“Sarah is doing really well academically and has also taken on extracurricular activities to strengthen her English language and translation skills. Recently, she’s been focusing on legal and literary translation as part of a project she’s collaborating on with one of her professors.” FOBZU October 2025
We would like to warmly congratulate Sara for all her hard work and persistence in these difficult times.
Dear Dominic Simpson Memorial Scholarship Fund Donors,
My name is Sarah Yousef Husni Daloul, and I am 21 years old. I have completed my third academic year at Birzeit University.
I chose Birzeit University because of its outstanding academic reputation and its diverse, supportive community. The university brings together people of different cultures, religions, and beliefs without discrimination, creating a free and inclusive environment that inspires both academic and personal growth.
My major is English Literature and Translation, a field I chose because of my lifelong passion for the English language and its rich vocabulary. This specialization continues to deepen my understanding of the language and refine my translation skills. It also prepares me for future work in fields such as translation companies, the tourism sector, or office administration, where clear and accurate communication is essential.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Dominic Simpson Memorial Scholarship Fund for the generous financial support you have provided. This assistance has been essential in enabling me to continue my education at Birzeit University. My family faces challenging financial circumstances – we rely solely on the modest pension left by my late father, and my mother suffers from various health conditions that require regular medication and care. These factors have placed a significant financial strain on us.
Your generous support has eased that burden and motivated me to work even harder to achieve academic excellence. The scholarship has had a profound impact on my educational journey, allowing me to maintain strong grades and move forward with confidence and hope. I aspire to give back by serving my community and applying the knowledge and values I gain through my studies.
With sincere appreciation and respect,
Sara Yousef Housni Dalloul, October 2025
* We’ve changed our name!
Friends of Birzeit University (Fobzu) is now officially Friends of Palestinian Universities.
Company number: 5713430 Registered charity number: 1114343
