Dina Alaa Khamis Alsaadouni

My name is Dina Al-Saadouni, a dental student from Gaza currently in my final year of study. I was originally expected to graduate over a year and a half ago, but the ongoing war and the severe circumstances surrounding it have made that impossible.

Like thousands of students across Gaza, I experienced a forced halt in my education—not only due to the physical dangers and destruction of war, but also because of the lack of basic infrastructure such as electricity and internet, which made online learning inaccessible. Students in medical and practical fields were particularly affected, as hands-on training came to a complete stop due to the destruction of healthcare and academic facilities and the lack of safe environments for learning.

Recently, universities have begun coordinating with government institutions to allow students to resume the practical training required for graduation. However, the situation remains extremely difficult. We face daily challenges, including a lack of transportation and the soaring costs of dental materials and tools, which place a heavy burden on students and their families.

Despite all these challenges, I remain hopeful and determined to complete my education and contribute to the wellbeing of my community through my future profession in dentistry.