BU Student Participates in Middle East Summer Program in USA

18 September 2007

Muhammed Qatamish, a third year Bethlehem University (BU) student in Physiotherapy, participated in a summer program called the “Middle East Partnership Initiative/Leadership Program” in the United States funded by the US Department of State.

Muhammed, from Aida Refugee Camp in Beit Jala, was chosen for his high academic achievement and activity to represent all Palestinian universities in the southern West Bank, primarily BU, at the summer program, which was held from 5 July to 19 August, 2007 at various locations in the United States. 

The summer program included visits and workshops in various well-known American universities, such as Georgetown, Boston, and Harvard, where participants attended lectures about leadership, diversity, public speaking, ethics in democratic society, the challenges of religious freedom, and many other topics. It also included visits to political institutions, companies and meetings with senators and mayors. Muhammed and the other participants had an opportunity to volunteer in four different organizations, including World Vision and Habitat for Humanity Project.  

For his distinguished work and activity during the summer program, Muhammed was granted three certificates of honor; one from the US Department of State, a certificate and a laptop from Benedictine University, and another certificate from the mayor of Lisle and Naperville, Illinois .

Muhammed thanked BU for giving him this opportunity. He said, “Being a BU student made me feel very privileged as BU provides its students with trainings in different fields and encourages them to be distinguished leaders in their societies.”