A Year In Review: Horizons Academy 2024

A YEAR IN REVIEW: HORIZONS ACADEMY 2024

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OUR MISSION & VISION

VISION

A society of young leaders distinguished in their excellence, humility, and strong commitment to collective civic duty

MISSION

To build a community of engaged citizens united by a transformative ethos for positive change

Horizons students at the 2024 Summer School in the West Bank

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HORIZONS FROM WITHIN

HORIZONS TRACKS

HORIZONS STUDENTS' BODY & ALUMNI

GAZA- OUR PAIN & HOPE

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

HORIZONS NETWORK

SUCCESSFUL EVACUATION OF INJURED HORIZONS STUDENT

RESUTS OF CLASS 2024

HORIZONS WORK IN THE WEST BANK SINCE OCTOBER 7TH

HORIZONS STUDENTS' AROUND THE WORLD

HORIZONS FROM WITHIN

GRADE 9

Group Leading

Group Leading Sessions One on One meetings English Language Proficiency Placement Exam

English 101 English 102 Critical Design Thinking Passion projects

GRADE 10

Group Leading

Group Leading Sessions One on One meetings English Language Proficiency English 102 Creative Writing Palestinian History and Diplomacy Passion projects

GRADE 11

Track Leading

Track Leading Sessions One on One meetings International Examination SAT TOEFL Psychometrics AI Course Passion projects

GRADE 12

Track Leading

Track Leading Sessions One on One meetings

University Application Passion projects

ALUMNI NETWORK Employment Higher education

HORIZONS TRACKS

US/CANADA/UK

LOCAL

INTER NATIONAL

NATIONAL (newly added in 2024)

505 STUDENTS

HORIZONS STUDENTS' BODY & ALUMNI

Horizons scholars by city

Horizons Academy supports a diverse cohort of 505 scholars from across Palestine, with 29% from Gaza, 27% from Jerusalem, 0.5% from the 1948 areas, and 43.5% from the West Bank. The student body is composed of 54.7% females and 45.3% males, reflecting a commitment to gender equity.

As of last year, the Academy had 225 alumni. This year, 46 more students will join their ranks, bringing the total alumni count to 271. To accommodate the growing alumni body, Horizons Academy has launched a dedicated Alumni Program. This initiative aims to provide alumni with opportunities for higher education, internships, and full-time employment, alongside the chance to participate in an annual alumni conference. In return, alumni are encouraged to support current scholars by mentoring, interning at the Horizons Summer School, and creating connections that bring more opportunities to both current students and fellow alumni. The alumni conference is set to become a key event, fostering community and collaboration, much like the summer school, strengthening ties across the Horizons network.

Gaza- Our Pain & Hope

Pictures on the first row: Pictures from Occupied Palestinian Territory Educational Cluster’s Preliminary school damage assessment report - July 2024. Left picture showing the types of schools. Right picture showing the damaged sites.

Picture on the second row: Picture from Occupied Palestinian Territory Educational Cluster’s preliminary school damage assessment report - July 2024

According to UNICEF, more than 625,000 students and close to 23,000 teachers in the Gaza Strip have been affected by school closures and attacks on education since 7 October 2023 with no access to education and a safe place. See the figures below for more data on the affected students, teachers and schools:

Gender of affected students (6-17 years old) and teachers and number of students and teachers killed

92% of total school buildings are either being used as IDPs shelters (almost four times their capacity) and/or sustained damage. This will constitute an additional burden to ensure the continuity of education when security conditions allow, as they need rehabilitation, and cleaning works and many will continue to serve as IDPs centers for families who have lost their homes. According to the Occupied Palestinian Territory Educational Cluster- 344 school buildings have been “Direct hit” since 7 October 2023, this represents 61% of the total school buildings in Gaza. This satellite-derived damage verification done by the Occupied Palestinian Territory Educational Cluster exercise CONFIRMED the large level of damage to schools in Gaza. 92.9% of schools sustained some level of damage to their buildings, this includes “Direct hit”, ”Damaged” and “Likely damaged”. At least 84.6% of schools in Gaza will either need full reconstruction or major rehabilitation work to be functional again. 32.7% of ”Directly hit” and ”Damaged” schools are UN-run schools through UNRWA. The 344 school buildings classified as “Direct hit” previously served approximately 371,430 students and 13,832 teachers, representing about 59% of the total student population and 60% of the total teaching staff. The 133 school buildings classified as “Damaged” served roughly 153,756 students and 5,741 teachers, accounting for around 25% of the total student population and 25% of the total teaching staff. 53.5% of school buildings that have been used by IDP as shelters are ”Directly hit”. There is a clear trend linking the majority of schools ”Directly hit” in the Gaza Strip to the areas targeted by the Israeli military’s evacuation orders. Since the beginning of the escalation, schools are being used for military operations by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) including use as detention, interrogation centers, and military bases.

Number of the schools that have been totally destroyed, majorly destroyed, moderately destroyed and minorly destroyed in Gaza

Types of damaged schools

Distribution of affected students by governorates and number of buildings per governorate. 5

Left - Abdel Qader Abu Raya, going to Inspired School in South Africa, middle - Waseem Naser going to UWC Norway, left - Reema Al Yaziji going to Inspired School in Italy.

HORIZONS SAVING LIVES OF ITS GAZAN STUDENTS IN 2024

Horizons Academy is a community of 505 students, 149 of whom call Gaza their home . This cohort, representing nearly 30% of our entire student body, carries with them the hopes and dreams of a brighter future for Palestine.

Since the outbreak of the war, Horizons Academy’s team has been working relentlessly, fighting against the odds to secure safe placements for our Gazan students in boarding schools around the world. Their safety, their future, their right to continue learning—these have become our guiding mission. Since October 7th, 40 of our students have been successfully placed in schools and universities, giving them a chance to continue their academic journeys despite the chaos. For 36 students from the class of 2023 and 2024, the process of applying to universities is ongoing, while 32 others have been nominated to a school in Saudi Arabia. Yet, 8 of our bright young minds are still awaiting a place of safety and learning, their futures hanging in the balance.

Heartbreakingly, 30 students have gone silent since the Rafah invasion. Their whereabouts remain unknown, and their educational paths uncertain, swallowed by the horrors of war. We hold onto hope, but the uncertainty weighs heavily.

However, the closure of the Rafah crossing has added another devastating barrier. Students who have been accepted to boarding schools or universities cannot be evacuated, and those still waiting for placements face the same fate. This crisis is particularly urgent for those who are already enrolled in schools but are now trapped in Gaza, unable to escape the violence and resume their education. The situation is dire, but we remain committed to these students. They are more than just numbers—they are our future leaders, each carrying with them the weight of hope, resilience, and the promise of rebuilding a better tomorrow.

Gazan students (currently residing in Egypt) visit Kings Crown, an Inspired School in Egypt

Lamar from Gaza is going to Inspired School in the UK, see a video about her here.

Horizons students with Mai, Horizons focual point in Egypt

SUPPORTING GAZAN STUDENTS MOVING FORWARD

Support for Students in Gaza In the face of unimaginable adversity, we stand by our students in Gaza. Essential supplies like food, clothing, tents, and e-sims are being distributed to alleviate the harsh conditions they endure. Despite the unstable internet and severe shortages, we refuse to let these obstacles break the spirit of learning that burns within our students. Beyond the physical challenges, we recognize the immense emotional toll this conflict has inflicted. Through platforms like Lined Global Learning & Support, we are offering therapy sessions to help students navigate the trauma and despair surrounding them. Their mental well-being is as crucial to us as their academic success. To ensure our students’ futures remain bright, we are offering online AP courses through iSchool, preparing them for university even amidst the chaos. And while the borders remain cruelly closed and evacuation options limited, we are doing everything in our power— completing paperwork, reaching out to humanitarian agencies, and arranging for our accepted students to join Inspired’s online school until they can safely evacuate. Hope persists, and so do we. Support for Students in Egypt For our students who have managed to escape Gaza and find refuge in Egypt, the challenges persist. Many local schools are not accepting Gazan students, but we are determined to keep their academic paths open. Through online AP courses offered by platforms like iSchool, we continue to prepare them for university, ensuring that their educational dreams remain within reach. We are also working tirelessly to find suitable boarding school placements for these students. The visa application process at embassies in Egypt has been a major roadblock, but we are leveraging every connection we have, seeking exceptions and alternative solutions. One such solution involves sending students to Inspired School in South Africa, where visa processing might offer them a way forward.

To support our students who have evacuated to Egypt, we are opening an office to create a safe space where their needs can be met, and their futures can be safeguarded.

General Support for All Students We recognize that our students and their families are facing extraordinary financial and emotional hardships. In response, we are providing vital assistance, including food, clothes, care packages, and access to therapy sessions through platforms like Lined Global Learning & Support. No student should bear this burden alone, and we are here to ease their pain as best we can. To further support their academic journeys, we are offering boarding school courses and have assigned a dedicated leader to guide them through these difficult times. Understanding the limitations posed by displacement and a lack of resources, we’ve adapted our recruitment process to be more flexible. We are determined to overcome the barriers our students face with internet access and other challenges, ensuring that no matter the difficulty, they can continue their education and strive for a better future.

HORIZONS NETWORK

In Search of Support: Ahmad’s Walk to Reach Horizons’ Emotional Support for Gaza’s Youth

"I walked about 2 hours to just get access to internet to attend a zoom session with Oulaya" - Ahmad Al Baba

This year, Horizons Academy has been deeply humbled by the incredible in-kind support offered by various institutions and individuals, all united by a shared mission to empower our students during these extraordinarily difficult times. One such partnership, with Linden Education in Germany, has provided a lifeline for our community. In the wake of the October 7th crisis, Linden Education generously facilitated mental health sessions for Horizons staff, equipping them with the emotional tools and resilience they need to support our students through their own trauma. These sessions were led by Oulaya Samhoun, an expert in post-war trauma and an Arabic speaker, whose empathy and understanding have been a beacon of hope for us all. But Oulaya’s dedication didn’t stop with our staff. Recognizing the unique struggles of our Gazan students and those heading to boarding schools, she extended her expertise to offer additional sessions. These moments of care and connection are helping students prepare emotionally for the difficult transition of leaving their families and their homes, as they pursue their dreams of education in an uncertain world. The support from Linden Education and Oulaya’s compassionate guidance have been more than just services—they’ve been acts of humanity, offering strength and solace when it’s been needed most. Through their generosity, we are reminded that even in the darkest times, there are those who will stand beside us, helping us rebuild hope and courage for the future.

Global Impact: How Horizons' Connections Secured Full-Ride Scholarships for Students

Left to right: Masa Qaud (Georgetown Qatar) and in Gaza before evacuation, Salah Ajjur & Mohammad Khodary from Gaza at Northwestern, Lourd Abu Hadid from Jerusalem at Purdue University

In the aftermath of the October 7 war, Horizons’ connections became a lifeline of hope for many students. Despite the devastation, partnerships have continued to create life-changing opportunities. A full-ride scholarship to Georgetown Qatar through Second Chance offered one student a chance to pursue their dreams amidst the chaos. Purdue University extended a beacon of hope through the Gilsdorf Scholarship , and Notre Dame opened its doors to two more Horizons students, offering them a future of promise and security. In this time of crisis, Brigham Young University and Northwestern University provided scholarships that represent far more than education—they symbolize resilience and the power of global support for Palestinian students. A new partnership with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia brought 10 full scholarships, and Rice University ’s scholarship reaffirmed that, even in the darkest times, there is still a path forward for these students.

Rising to the Challenge: Global Partners Unite with Horizons to Support Gaza Through Offering Interns and AP Classes

In these turbulent times, the support Horizons has received from Code X and other partners has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite the hardships brought on by the October 7 war, professionals and students from top universities and companies have rallied to help. Code X has been instrumental in bringing in talented interns, many of whom have continued their support long after their internships. One intern has generously stayed on to help develop the passion projects course, demonstrating a deep commitment to Horizons’ mission.

Through Horizons' vast university networks, talented individuals have joined in offering their expertise, bringing a glimmer of hope to students during this crisis.

Out School is offering free AP classes for Gazan students who haven't yet found placements, and Makan , based in the UK, has generously provided a debate curriculum for the Palestinian History and Diplomacy course, ensuring that students continue to have access to high-quality learning despite the challenges they face.

Right to left: Rami Arafe (Horizons Alumni), Kevin Shum (Code X intern), Omar Khatib (Horizons staff), Sufyan Sulayman (Code X intern)

1 1

In Times of Crisis, Global Education Partners Step Up to Empower Horizons Students

left to right: Noor Humaid (Gaza) at SMS, Masa Abu Aziz (Gaza) at Inspired School in Italy, Layan Hanafi (Gaza) at UWC Armenia

In the wake of the war, Aiglon extended its heart and resources, welcoming three students instead of just one—a profound testament to compassion in a time of crisis. Inspired Education responded with remarkable generosity, providing 16 students with full-ride scholarships to Inspired boarding schools around the world, igniting hope and dreams in places often shrouded in darkness. King’s Academy opened its doors to two brave students from Gaza, offering them sanctuary and a chance to heal and learn. Meanwhile, Saint Margaret’s School in British Columbia, Canada, offered two Global Impact Scholarships, embodying the belief that education can transcend borders and barriers. These collective acts of kindness, along with countless other gestures of support, have empowered Horizons students to persevere in their pursuit of education despite the overwhelming challenges they face.

Click here to watch the story of 3 students who went to inspired schools

FROM GAZA TO THE ALPS Sara Al Haddad, a 15-year-old student from Gaza joined Horizons Academy in 10th grade, and her acceptance was a joyous surprise. It was a moment that ignited a spark in her, affirming that someone believed in her potential. For the first time, she found herself surrounded by like-minded peers who inspired her with their brilliance. The mentors at Horizons became her guiding lights, always ready to support her in overcoming challenges and helping her realize her dreams.

At Horizons, Sara not only honed her academic skills but also developed critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and public speaking. The Academy's summer program played a pivotal role in shaping her goals, igniting her passion for STEM and preparing her for her future studies. Armed with newfound confidence and skills, Sara set her sights on Aiglon College in Switzerland—a prestigious boarding school that once seemed like a distant dream. Sara’s interest in computer science blossomed unexpectedly. An incident when her laptop froze sparked her curiosity, leading her to explore the intricacies of technology and code. She now envisions a future as a software engineer, dedicated to integrating technology into education to make knowledge accessible to all.

Sara at Horizons 2023 Summer School

With the support of Horizons Academy, Sara is now at Aiglon, a beautiful and supportive community where she can continue to grow and thrive. With dreams of attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and studying computer science, she is determined to break down stereotypes about Palestine and contribute positively to her community. Aiglon is more than an educational institution for Sara; it is an opportunity to inspire others and honor her roots while embracing new experiences. She envisions herself creating a non-profit organization to support displaced families in Gaza, using her skills and education to make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by war. Sara Al Haddad's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and hope. As she looks to the future, she carries with her the dreams and aspirations of a new generation, ready to reshape the world.

Sara’s house in Gaza

The horrors of war, however, were unimaginable. As destruction engulfed her homeland, Sara witnessed the anguish of families desperately searching for their loved ones amidst the rubble. The sounds of devastation haunted her, while memories of cherished places crumbled around her. In a heartbreaking moment, the roof of her home collapsed, forcing her family to flee through a gaping hole in the kitchen. Clutching her youngest brother, Sara led her siblings to safety, seeking refuge with their aunt as fear and uncertainty enveloped them. Despite the chaos, Sara clung to hope, envisioning a brighter future. After enduring weeks of hardship, her family was eventually approved for repatriation to the Philippines, marking the end of a harrowing chapter in their lives. Though they faced the trauma of their experiences, Sara's spirit remained unbroken.

Sara (left) with Horizons Academy scholars studying together at Aiglon College, Switzerland

SUCCESSFUL EVACUATION OF INJURED HORIZONS STUDENT

Salma AlYaziji, 14 Year Old From Gaza

Salma AlYaziji, a 14-year-old talented young scholar at Horizons Academy, found herself caught in the devastating turmoil of the Gaza war. An innocent victim of the violence, Salma was shot in the back while trying to help her friend at an UNRWA school, where she was taking shelter with her family after the destruction of their home. The bullet lodged dangerously close to her spine, creating dire circumstances; undergoing surgery in Gaza was impossible due to a lack of medical resources, and any movement risked permanent paralysis.

Salma at Horizons Academy’s Summer School 2023 (left), X- ray showing the bullet in her spine (right)

Salma trying to get medical attention in a tent (left), Salma with Horizons staff in the storage unit in Khan Younes

Initially treated at a field hospital, Salma’s condition was critical, and the medical staff were unable to provide the surgical intervention or remove the bullet, which she desperately needed. And not removing the bullet meant that Salma would be paralyzed forever. Faced with these challenges, Horizons Academy staff in Gaza sprang into action. They relocated Salma and her family from the hospital to a rented storage space in Khan Younis, ensuring they were safe and together during this difficult time. With the support of Horizons International Network, Salma’s evacuation was organized and she received the medical care she needed. After enduring unimaginable pain, Salma was finally evacuated along with her family, making their way to the UAE, where she could receive the treatment necessary for her recovery. Today, Salma is safe and on the road to healing. Her journey from the battlefield of Gaza to the safety of the UAE is a testament to her resilience and strength. Salma’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of community and hope in the face of adversity.

Salma’s story is not just one of survival; it is a beacon of hope for a brighter future, inspiring those around her to believe in resilience and the healing power of community support.

A joyful photo of a fully healed Salma, embracing life a new in the UAE

Graduation of class 2024

UNIVERSITIES PLACEMENTS

Princeton (1) University of Pennsylvania (1) Columbia (1) Notre Dam University (2) Purdue University (1) Brigham Young University (2) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1) Vanderbilt (1) 20 Full & Partial Scholarships

Drexel (1) St.Olaf (1) Middlebury (1) University of Oklahoma (1) Wartburg College (1) Northwestern University (3) University of Maryland (1) University of Maryland (1)

Ulster University (1) SETU Ireland (1) 1 Full Scholarship & 1 Placement

Georgetown Qatar (1) Qatar University (1) 2 International University Scholarships

13 Local Universities Scholarships

BOARDING SCHOOLS PLACEMENTS

COUNTRIES

40 Full Ride Scholarships

Hiba (Ramallah), Salah (Gaza) at UWC Germany

Zaid (Gaza) at SETU Ireland

Iskandar & Luna (Bethlehem) at ND

Masa (Jerusalem), Anthoney (Jerusalem) , Rakan (Ramallah) at Baret Gap Year Program

Masa (Gaza) at Inspired School in Italy

Issa (Jerusalem) at MIT

HORIZONS STUDENTS' AROUND THE WORLD

Bath Spa University (1) Brigham Young University (2) Columbia University (1) Dartmouth College (1) Drexel University (1) University of Edinburgh (1) Emmanuel College (1) Emma Willard School (2)

University of Pennsylvania (1) Princeton University (1) Purdue University (1) Reddam House Berkshire (3) Seton Hall University (1)

Sotogrande International School (1) South East Technological University (1)

Stanford University (1) St. John's University (1) St. Lawrence University (1) St. Margaret's School (2) St. Olaf College (1) University of Toronto (1) Trinity College (1) Ulster University (1) UWC USA (1) Vanderbilt University (1) Wartburg College (1)

Galway University (1) Gettysburg College (1) University of Iowa (1) University of Maryland (1) Middlebury College (1) MIT (2) Northfield Mount Hermon School (1)

Northwestern University (4) Notre Dame University (3) Ohio State University (1) University of Oklahoma (1)

Aiglon College (7) American University in Cairo (1) American University of Sharjah (1) Debreccen University (1) Dover College (1)

International School of Milan (2) International School San Patricio Toledo (4) King’s Academy (4) Reddam House Helderfontein (6) Szeged University (1) Technical University Munchen (1) Technion (10) TU Clausthal (1)

UWC Adriatic (4) UWC Chengdu (1) UWC Dilijan (2)

UWC East Africa (3) UWC Hong Kong (1) UWC Red Cross Nordic (3) UWC Robert Bosch College (4)

Georgetown Qatar (1) Hebrew University (42) International Anatolian Imam Hatip High School (2)

The efforts to build a brighter future continue, fueled by resilience and an unshakable hope for a better tomorrow. Despite the challenges, the drive to create lasting change grows stronger, carrying with it the dreams of a generation determined to rise above adversity

SUPPORT HORIZONS STUDENTS Contact us at: Horizons@alnayzak.org

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