An extraordinary moment...

...not a fantastic shot of it though - but it was the best part of a wonderful day!

Today was the final day of our week long celebrations for International Women's Day and we have learnt so much from our five amazing young Palestinian women! They talk about their lives with such dignity, pride and passion. They tell harrowing personal stories but always with strength, spirit, humility and compassion. On Monday night at Huddersfield University Kholoud, Samiha and Zayneb spoke about education in Palestine (or the lack of it) and Val from Sheffield told us about a project they run to sponsor 15 Palestinian women through a university education relying totally on funding from individuals. The evening was very informative and very moving, so much so that, at the end, my Annie said that instead of getting presents for her 16th birthday in July she would like all her friends to donate the price of her present to the Sheffield Palestinian Women's Scholarship Fund and then she offered £5 of her £20 per month pocket money as a standing order! This is obviously an issue that she cares for very deeply.
SO..... today - after all the workshops , there were a few thank you speeches and we gave gifts to all of the young women. This shot is of Zayneb who stood up when she received her gift and said " I don't know what is in this gift but I would like to give it to a wonderful young woman in the audience who has offered to donate all her 16th birthday gifts to help education in Palestine - Annie!"
I can't describe what a proud moment that was for me! I have a politically aware 15 year old who cares passionately about other people and is willing to put her money where her mouth is! Wow! Go Annie!!!