{"id":5650,"date":"2024-12-02T14:03:21","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T13:03:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vss.michaelschaedler.li\/projekte\/students-at-risk\/"},"modified":"2026-10-05T11:35:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T09:35:23","slug":"students-at-risk","status":"publish","type":"projekte","link":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/projekte\/students-at-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"Students at Risk"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 29%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Students at Risk (StAR) program supports students whose right to education is denied or severely hindered in their country of origin or residence by providing them with a scholarship in Switzerland.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Students_at_Risk_Switzerland_Logo_01092025_1-removebg-preview.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22457 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Students_at_Risk_Switzerland_Logo_01092025_1-removebg-preview.png 500w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Students_at_Risk_Switzerland_Logo_01092025_1-removebg-preview-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Students_at_Risk_Switzerland_Logo_01092025_1-removebg-preview-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d49bf05e\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Students at Risk (StAR) programme aims to offer students at risk worldwide, who are denied or hindered in their right to education in their country of origin or residence, the opportunity to take up or complete their studies in Switzerland. The idea for StAR was launched in Norway in 2012 by two student organisations, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saih.no\/no\/students-at-riskabout\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SAIH and NSO.<\/a>  Germany followed suit in 2021 with the \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/www.daad.de\/de\/in-deutschland-studieren\/stipendien\/daad-foerderprogramme\/hilde-domin-programm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hilde Domin Programme<\/a>,\u2019 which was based on a similar idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The project of the Swiss Student Union (VSS) now enables Switzerland to contribute to international academic freedom in teaching and research. It complements the existing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scholarsatrisk.org\/sections\/sar-switzerland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cScholars at Risk\u201d <\/a>programme, which focuses on postdoctoral researchers. The pilot phase of the project began in September 2024 and will run until the end of 2027. During this period, the StAR programme aims to enable its first students to begin or complete their studies in Switzerland.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For at-risk students, the StAR program aims to create a safe environment enabling them to complete their studies and exercise their right to education. With a university degree and an international network, students are well-prepared for their professional future and can contribute significantly to the society of their country of origin. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:61px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-25fbb167 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-843afbe3 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-ec42df2b gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-ec42df2b\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>Who can receive a StAR Scholarship?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-613722f0\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-613722f0\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-8b88e8ca\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-13128c62\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-13128c62\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates must meet the following cumulative criteria to be eligible for a StAR scholarship: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Student: Candidates must be prospective students (bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s level) or doctoral candidates <a id=\"_ftnref1\" href=\"#_ftn1\">[1]<\/a>.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At Risk: Candidates face endangerment or an inability to pursue studies in their country of origin or residence:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Due to advocacy for fundamental or human rights, <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Due to belonging to a marginalized group, or <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Due to other external factors that de facto make it impossible or extremely difficult to complete their studies safely.<br><br><a id=\"_ftn1\" href=\"#_ftnref1\">[1]<\/a> By \u2018prospective students\u2019 we mean applicants who need to provide educational certificates in order to begin a Bachelor\u2019s, Master\u2019s, or Doctoral degree, and who therefore must meet the respective admission requirements of Swiss higher education institutions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-8ad13fcd gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-c83cc5cb gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-c83cc5cb\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Selection process<br><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-9944cef7\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-9944cef7\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-6741d1cd\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-73c10381\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-73c10381\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Complete applications are treated confidentially and forwarded to independent experts from the fields of higher education, migration, and human rights. The selection committee reviews each nomination individually and decides on the awarding of scholarships. Applications are prioritised based on the applicant\u2019s risk situation, admission to a higher education institution, practical considerations regarding obtaining a visa, and the availability of a support network. Even after an applicant has been selected, the actual disbursement of the scholarship remains conditional upon admission to a Swiss higher education institution and the ability to legally enter Switzerland.<br>In the selection process, experts consider the following criteria:    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Urgency analysis: The individual risk situation is analyzed. This assessment takes into account whether the person is facing an acute threat, such as political repression, violence, or structural exclusion in their country or origin or residence. A lack of, or limited, educational opportunities is a central element of the urgency analysis.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multidimensional risk: Categories of discrimination such as age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability can further increase vulnerability. These intersectional aspects are taken into account when assessing the need for protection. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Admission to higher education: A key consideration is whether the applicant\u2019s educational objective is clearly articulated and realistically achievable. This includes the intended field of study, language proficiency, prior academic qualifications (e.g. degrees or diplomas already obtained), and the overall coherence and feasibility of the study plan. In this context, it is advantageous if the nominating individual or organisation can provide an admission decision or an assessment of the applicant\u2019s eligibility for admission issued by the relevant office of the university or university of applied sciences.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visa: Relevant factors such as marital status, family members, previous visa applications, and potential risks and prospects related to obtaining a visa are assessed. In this context, future career plans and the social relevance of the intended course of study are also taken into consideration. Particular weight may be given to cases where the applicant\u2019s intended professional activity has the potential to make a tangible contribution to society in their country of origin or current country of residence.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support network: Due to limited capacity, VSS can only provide students with limited advice and support regarding departure arrangements or visa applications. Existing social or institutional networks, both in the country of origin or residence and in Switzerland, are therefore taken into account in terms of their potential to provide social, logistical, or financial support. Concrete support offered by the nominating organisation or individual may have a positive impact on the selection process. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-ddc7caa9 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-40e6adf2 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-40e6adf2\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>How to Apply?<\/strong>&nbsp;<br><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-1052dc84\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1052dc84\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-8154ed2b\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-deb15c6a\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-deb15c6a\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An application for a Students at Risk (StAR) Scholarship requires a nomination by an individual residing in Switzerland or by a legally recognised organisation based in Switzerland. <strong>Direct applications by candidates are not accepted.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A nomination requires the nominating institution or individual to provide support to the candidate. <strong>Therefore, VSS is unable to connect candidates with a nominating organisation or individual. <\/strong>Students must find a suitable individual or institution willing to nominate them in accordance with the conditions set out in the documentation. Due to the limited number of scholarships available, the selection process is competitive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The completed nomination form, the required attachments (combined into a single PDF), and the signed declaration of commitment must be submitted by email to studentsatrisk@vss-unes.ch to the StAR Programme Management <strong>by Monday, 16 November 2026.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The documents required for a nomination can be found under \u201cFurther Resources\u201d. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-bcd80e13 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-7b6cb939 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-7b6cb939\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Further resources&nbsp;<br><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-ced1d6b8\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-ced1d6b8\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-8c9e27a5\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-f01e40e0\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-f01e40e0\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Information-sheet.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Information-sheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Information Sheet<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Nomination-form.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Nomination-form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nomination Form<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Letter-of-commitment.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Letter-of-commitment.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Letter of Commitment<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/FAQ-for-students.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FAQ for students<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a id=\"_msocom_1\"><\/a><a id=\"_msocom_2\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-f9af2824\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d92c390b gb-accordion__item\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-f495f530 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-f495f530\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>Our scholarship holders<\/strong>&nbsp;<br><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-3e107de0\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3e107de0\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\"><div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-a0d55e5d\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-7ed36a14\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7ed36a14\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-0de547db\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"219\" height=\"300\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-0de547db\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Unknown-1-219x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Unknown\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Unknown-1-219x300.jpeg 219w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Unknown-1.jpeg 720w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 219px) 100vw, 219px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maha O. A. Rafee is a pharmacist from Gaza with more than six years of experience as a community pharmacist and healthcare provider in conflict settings. She has been selected for the Students At Risk scholarship and will begin the Master of Science in Global Health at the University of Geneva in September 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following the completion of the master&#8217;s program, Maha plans to return to Gaza to work as a researcher and lecturer, contributing to the development of a new Global Health curriculum that includes core subjects such as humanitarian health, health policy analysis, and drug policy. She aspires to serve as a consultant for local NGOs and the Palestinian Ministry of Health, leading workshops and capacity-building initiatives on health issues in conflict settings.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the long term, Maha aims to establish a regional Global Health Innovation Centre dedicated to developing context-specific solutions for communities affected by conflict, while sharing Palestine&#8217;s experiences and lessons with the broader Global Health community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"356\" class=\"wp-image-21793\" style=\"width: 200px;\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_IMG_20250724_163041-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_IMG_20250724_163041-scaled.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_IMG_20250724_163041-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_IMG_20250724_163041-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_IMG_20250724_163041-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_IMG_20250724_163041-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_IMG_20250724_163041-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_IMG_20250724_163041-1320x2346.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-size: inherit;\">Kholoud Dawood is our scholarship holder from Gaza. Thanks to StAR, she is pursuing her Master\u2019s degree in Translation (English\u2013Arabic) at the \u00ab Facult\u00e9 de traduction et d\u2019interpr\u00e9tation \u00bb (FTI) of the University of Geneva starting in September 2025.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to her studies, Kholoud Dawood writes literary texts. One of her texts is about her departure from Gaza and her desire to return after completing her studies.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Gaza City exhales, sorrow heavy in its tone.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201c<\/em><em>You speak of leaving, but I fear being left alone. So many have gone. My streets are empty, my laughter fades. Will you return?\u201d   <\/em> <br><em><\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>A single tear slips down her cheek. She wipes it away quickly, as if ashamed of weakness. <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201c<\/em><em>How could I not? My heart beats with your pulse. Even if my body crosses borders, my soul stays with you. But I need to go. I need to see a world where hospitals have medicine, where the sky isn\u2019t a constant threat, where a degree isn\u2019t a privilege but a right. And then, I\u2019ll bring it all back. I promise.\u201d      <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Full text: <a href=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/inner-conflict.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/inner-conflict.pdf\">Inner conflit<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Andy_Art_Pixabay-1024x682.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22452\" style=\"width:363px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Andy_Art_Pixabay-1024x682.png 1024w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Andy_Art_Pixabay-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Andy_Art_Pixabay-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Andy_Art_Pixabay.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>by Andy Art from<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Pixabay<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Myo Min Htwe is our StAR fellow from Myanmar. Thanks to the program, he pursues his PhD in Environmental Sciences at the \u201cFacult\u00e9 des g\u00e9osciences et de l\u2019environnement\u201d of the University of Lausanne starting in September 2025.  <br> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Myo has extensive professional experience in the field of access to renewable energy and technologies. He has worked in both research and practical applications. He has been involved in projects in India, Thailand and Myanmar, contributing to energy modelling, solar power supply and sustainability initiatives.   He is currently working with international NGOs on post-earthquake rehabilitation projects in the Sagaing and Mandalay regions of Myanmar, focusing on energy solutions for disaster-affected communities. <br> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through his PhD studies, he aims to deepen his understanding of the social and political dimensions of energy with a focus on North\u2013South comparative studies. Drawing on his field experience in the Global South, he wants to conduct research that is rigorous and applicable to real-world challenges.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> <br><em>&#8220;My wish is simple: to see a Myanmar where clean energy reaches every city and village, where education is a right, not a privilege, and where young people see opportunity instead of limitation.&#8221;<\/em> <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1b3a3666\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-5487dc5c\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3f7caec8\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c8dfd9ab\">\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b70af1d9 gb-headline-text\"><br><br>Updates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/refbejuso.bynder.com\/web\/10c85e6378a73eb1\/ensemble\/?viewType=grid&amp;mediaId=390A8C4E-7DB4-4884-96938097CD8F51E7\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/refbejuso.bynder.com\/web\/10c85e6378a73eb1\/ensemble\/?viewType=grid&amp;mediaId=390A8C4E-7DB4-4884-96938097CD8F51E7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Portrait in Ensemble magazine<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2023-08-09_Factsheet_StAR_DE-1.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2023-08-09_Factsheet_StAR_DE-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zum Factsheet<\/a><br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Policy-Paper-digital-deutsch-5.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Positionspapier: Studierende in Notsituationen<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zsonline.ch\/2025\/11\/17\/gaza-bleibt-mein-zuhause#:~:text=Seit%20ihrer%20Flucht%20lebt%20Kholoud%20nun%20in%20Genf,Erfahrungen%20und%20Leiden%20aufmerksam%20machen.%2017.%20November%202025\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.zsonline.ch\/2025\/11\/17\/gaza-bleibt-mein-zuhause#:~:text=Seit%20ihrer%20Flucht%20lebt%20Kholoud%20nun%20in%20Genf,Erfahrungen%20und%20Leiden%20aufmerksam%20machen.%2017.%20November%202025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Interview scholarschip recipient, Z\u00fcrcher Studierendenzeitung<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blick.ch\/schweiz\/studierende-aus-gaza-neustart-an-schweizer-universitaeten\/hc0n401\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.blick.ch\/schweiz\/studierende-aus-gaza-neustart-an-schweizer-universitaeten\/hc0n401\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8220;Ich habe mein Herz in Gaza gelassen.&#8221;<\/a><br><br><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-53be9cda\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-5c3763ea\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-db6d3919\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-db6d3919\">\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-d4dc3b66 gb-headline-text\"><br>Partners<br><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-88ad053e\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-2ef30cfd\"><a href=\"https:\/\/temperatio.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"777\" height=\"268\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-2ef30cfd\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2026-06-10-073538-e1781069779293.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"temperatio_logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2026-06-10-073538-e1781069779293.png 777w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2026-06-10-073538-e1781069779293-300x103.png 300w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2026-06-10-073538-e1781069779293-768x265.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 777px) 100vw, 777px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-385f2b7b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kathbern.ch\/gkg\/landeskirche-kirchgemeinden\/gesamtkirchgemeinde-bern-und-umgebung\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"98\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-385f2b7b\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/log_kathbe_GKG_CMYK_neutral_page-0001-300x98.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"log_kathbe_GKG_CMYK_neutral_page-0001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/log_kathbe_GKG_CMYK_neutral_page-0001-300x98.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/log_kathbe_GKG_CMYK_neutral_page-0001-768x252.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/log_kathbe_GKG_CMYK_neutral_page-0001.jpg 909w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-b7af7fcb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.refbejuso.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"299\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-b7af7fcb\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2026-06-10-073751-e1781069922627.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"BFS_logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2026-06-10-073751-e1781069922627.png 868w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2026-06-10-073751-e1781069922627-300x103.png 300w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2026-06-10-073751-e1781069922627-768x265.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-cb4edc89\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"688\" height=\"237\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-cb4edc89\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2026-06-10-074122-e1781070123570.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"Usine_Logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2026-06-10-074122-e1781070123570.png 688w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2026-06-10-074122-e1781070123570-300x103.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-fd0ca0a2\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-fd0ca0a2\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e7aecf06\">\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-818006fd gb-headline-text\"><br>With the expert guidance of<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"894\" height=\"953\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vertical-blue.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22864\" style=\"width:147px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vertical-blue.jpg 894w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vertical-blue-281x300.jpg 281w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vertical-blue-768x819.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 894px) 100vw, 894px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.swissuniversities.ch\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"761\" height=\"88\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/swissuniversities_Logo_A4_Rot_RGB_300dpi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23222\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/swissuniversities_Logo_A4_Rot_RGB_300dpi.jpg 761w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/swissuniversities_Logo_A4_Rot_RGB_300dpi-300x35.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 761px) 100vw, 761px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-be228466\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-be228466\">\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-e9b22b0f gb-headline-text\"><br>Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Would you like to support the project financially? Please contact us through the above-mentioned contact address. We are happy about any contribution.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-76ce7ef9\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-76ce7ef9\">\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-67eb669c gb-headline-text\"><br>Contact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Project Lead:<br>Leonie Mugglin<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-34c7166b gbp-button--primary\" href=\"mailto:studentsatrisk@vss-unes.ch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" height=\"1em\" width=\"1em\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M464 64H48C21.49 64 0 85.49 0 112v288c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h416c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V112c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zm0 48v40.805c-22.422 18.259-58.168 46.651-134.587 106.49-16.841 13.247-50.201 45.072-73.413 44.701-23.208.375-56.579-31.459-73.413-44.701C106.18 199.465 70.425 171.067 48 152.805V112h416zM48 400V214.398c22.914 18.251 55.409 43.862 104.938 82.646 21.857 17.205 60.134 55.186 103.062 54.955 42.717.231 80.509-37.199 103.053-54.947 49.528-38.783 82.032-64.401 104.947-82.653V400H48z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Mail<\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-10eea546\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-9ce218cd\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"220\" height=\"312\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-9ce218cd\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Logo-KG-Grossaffoltern-2.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"Logo KG Grossaffoltern\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Logo-KG-Grossaffoltern-2.png 220w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Logo-KG-Grossaffoltern-2-212x300.png 212w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 220px) 100vw, 220px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-0442a841\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3237,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"project-status":[96],"class_list":["post-5650","projekte","type-projekte","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","project-status-in-progress"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/projekte\/5650"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/projekte"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/projekte"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3237"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"project-status","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/project-status?post=5650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}