By Shahd Sataria, 

When I joined Al-Quds Bard College (AQB) in 2012, and enrolled in the Human Rights and International Law program, I underwent different changes. AQB quickly began shaping my outlook, perspective, and personal growth. One of the most powerful lessons came early in my studies during an assignment in the Introduction to Human Rights course. I was tasked with defining “human rights” based on a fifty-page text. Frustrated by the lack of a clear answer, I turned to my professor, who encouraged me to develop my own definition through research and critical thinking. That moment transformed my approach to learning, teaching me that true knowledge lies not in ready-made answers but in the courage to ask deeper questions and embrace uncertainty as a path to growth.

My name is Renad Issa, I am from Hebron, Palestine, and I studied Human Rights and International Law at Al-Quds Bard College (AQB). I began my academic journey at AQB in 2016 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 2021. AQB provided an exceptional environment for critical thinking and learning, pushing me to challenge and re-evaluate preconceived notions and gain a more complex insight into the world.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates hosted the Head of the Al-Quds Bard’s BA Program in Global Studies and Diplomacy, Dr. Amneh Badran, in a seminar titled 'Global Citizenship and Public Diplomacy'. The event took place at the Ministry’s headquarters yesterday in Ramallah. The lecture was attended by ministry staff from various departments and sections, as well as a wide participation via Zoom by staff from Palestinian embassies and missions abroad.

Al-Quds Bard College (AQB) wins First Place in the prestigious MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship for its Civic Engagement Program, in recognition of its continuous efforts to link education to the betterment of the community.

Al-Quds Bard College (AQB) gave me the chance to explore the challenges students face under occupation through my senior project for the Digital Communication and Media program, "Six Passengers". This script, written with dark humor, depicted the struggles of six students navigating their academic lives amid the realities of occupation. The SP was supervised by Dr. Laura Menchaca Ruiz, the head of the Humanities Division. I was able to creatively express these shared experiences. 

We are thrilled to share that the SPPW workshop session this Saturday, 5th of October, 2024, was a great success!