My name is Maisam Abumorr and I am an MA student at Goldsmiths University. My almost-impossible journey to Goldsmiths straight from Gaza is a living example of how important education is for building a better future for all.

Education for us Palestinians has been a means of survival and an access to the outer world. As my education was repeatedly interrupted by the conflict either by not being able to attend classes and exams during war time or because my university itself was targeted, I am now determined to be a part of the change needed to maintain the neutrality of educational institutions.

Goldsmiths has offered me an opportunity to pursue my higher education because we have a shared belief that education is the key to promoting intellectual resistance as an alternative for violence as well as to fight the extremism now sweeping across the Middle East. Running for the Education Officer position will allow me to be part of a system which can help improve the quality of education and help Goldsmiths maintain its leading role in having an inclusive and interactive educational experience.

Being an international student at Goldsmiths has been a life-changing experience with its diverse campus, friendly staff, and amazing students. You did not only offer me a chance to obtain academic excellence and leadership skills but also a home where being different was accepted and even cherished.

Being elected for Education Officer will allow me to pay back only a tiny part of what Goldsmiths, whether staff or students, has given me so far through campaigning for a more efficient learning experience.

This will be achieved through a comprehensive set of mechanisms/strategies:

• Accessing more free online resources for student research such as e-books, audio-materials, and recorded lectures.
• Creating online student study groups to maintain interactive learning and peer feedback.
• Improving the cultural diversity of university courses that will enable international students relate to materials without feeling alientated or under-represented.
• Campaigning for a more affordable access to both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees through creating university-based financial support systems as well as joining the national campaigning for free university education.
• Establishing university-funded/supported exchange programmes/courses with other universities across the world.

Vote Maisam Abumorr because investing in Education is investing in a better future.