For more than thirty years, Taawon’s University Education Program has opened the doors of private universities in Lebanon to Palestinian youth, providing them with the opportunity to build promising futures and achieve sustainable empowerment that ripples through their communities.
It’s not just a seat in class, it’s a life-changing lift. Hundreds of students have received scholarships and loans that enabled them to pursue higher education. Some continued with advanced degrees, others entered the job market locally or internationally, and many launched their own businesses, turning into inspiring success stories.
From the first day at university until graduation, Taawon walks alongside each student. But what happens after that moment?
From Al-Buss Camp to London: Asaad Beqaai, Excellence and a PhD Journey
Asaad Beqaai graduated in 2022 from Beirut Arab University with a degree in Civil Engineering and ranked first in his class. His scholarship later paved the way for a PhD at the University of Bristol in the UK, ranked among the world’s top 50 in civil engineering. His research focuses on extending the lifespan of buildings by improving construction materials so that structures can last over 200 years. He participated in a TEDx talk in London, reflecting on the journey of refugees with education.
Q: What should students focus on when choosing a major?
1. Understand which sectors Palestinians can work in within Lebanon.
2. Research supply and demand trends and see which fields are in high demand.
3. Identify your talent and be prepared to put in the effort to stand out.
Q: Civil engineering is a saturated field. Should students avoid majors with too many graduates?
I didn’t let market saturation change my choice for two reasons: I loved civil engineering, and I committed to excelling. I found work months before graduating. Even if a field is competitive, opportunities exist if you stand out with effort and skills.
Q: What is the secret to attracting opportunities?
• Work hard and aim for distinction.
• Build a network that can open doors.
• Market yourself effectively.
• Be passionate because passion keeps you going until opportunities come.
Q: What challenges should students prepare for?
• Mindset: Stay positive, flexible, and avoid believing that the world is against you.
• English language: I once lost a scholarship at AUB because I didn’t meet the English requirement. That motivated me to work harder and to take private lessons, join online classes during COVID-19, and practice with students from abroad. Consistent practice helped me pass later and enter Bristol University.
• Self-confidence: Opportunities don’t come to those who wait; they come to those who prepare and act.
Q: Is getting a scholarship about luck?
Not at all. The mistake many students make is waiting until their final year to apply. Work on your grades, skills, and volunteering experience early, starting from your first or second year.
Telecom & Computer Engineering: High Demand, Strong Job Prospects – Ahmad Assayed
Ahmed Assayed graduated in 2023 from Rafik Hariri International University with a degree in Telecom and Computer Engineering. He immediately found work in Beirut as a technical specialist before moving to remote work with a company spanning the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Q: Is finding a job after graduation long and uncertain?
Before graduating, I feared unemployment. But reality proved different. Entering the job market depends on two things: the demand for your field and your personal effort to improve your skills. The reputation of your university also matters.
Q: What do you gain from remote work?
It allows me to collaborate with multinational companies and forces me to constantly stay updated with fast-changing technologies—ensuring growth and continuity.
Seizing Opportunities and Continuous Learning – Sarah Kassab
Sarah Kassab graduated from the American University of Beirut in 2017 with a degree in Biology and a diploma in Education. She now works at AUB’s Global Health Institute.
Q: What advice do you give students preparing to graduate?
Search, don’t give up, and seize opportunities; it requires persistence. I also built professional networks in my field, which led to invitations for workshops, training, and fellowship programs. All of these investments helped me gain new skills, prove myself, and access career opportunities.
Flexibility Pays Off: Aya Ounyies, From Volunteer to UNRWA Clinics
Aya graduated in 2020 with a degree in Nutrition from AUB. Finding a job was difficult, so she volunteered with several NGOs until she secured a role at UNRWA clinics, where she now works with passion and purpose.
Q: Is it really difficult for UNRWA school graduates to enter private universities?
For me, entering AUB was life-changing. The entrance exams weren’t impossible; they just required preparation and effort. UNRWA students, in particular, must put in extra effort in English, but it’s possible. My advice: don’t hesitate—the opportunity is worth it.
Q: How can students boost their chances of employment?
Use your university years to benefit from training programs, skills workshops, CV writing sessions, and internship opportunities. Always stay alert for chances to grow your skills; they will pay off later.
The Bigger Picture
Thanks to the support of generous donors, Taawon’s University Education Program continues to open doors of opportunity for Palestinian youth in Lebanon. This program is implemented in partnership with the Palestinian Students' Fund and the Unite Lebanon Youth Project.
Their stories inspire us and highlight the transformative impact of education, shaping lives, families, and communities.
