Olive Tree Scholarship Programme

The Olive Tree Programme is a unique initiative for young people, Palestinians and Israelis, whose lives have been framed by conflict and whose talents and leadership potential single them out as candidates for an exacting three years of study, reflection, exploration and debate in London. Those selected (up to 12 at a time) receive full scholarships to study for undergraduate degrees at City University London, in a range of subjects including Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Journalism, Psychology, Business and International Politics. The goal of the programme is to help these young people to become skilled, confident and effective leaders, professionals and 'change agents' in their communities, to mutual benefit.

Through a specially designed parallel programme of creative, intellectual, and cross-cultural activities in England and Ireland, the scholars are encouraged to engage in dialogue across the lines of confrontation and distrust that frame their relations in the Middle East. The intention is to build greater awareness and understanding of the roles of politics, economics, history, identity and religion in sustaining and resolving conflict and to encourage respect and support for the human rights of all the peoples of the region. The Programme is also designed to enable students to grapple with the difficult issues that directly affect them, their families and their future prospects in an educational and multicultural setting that is supportive, conducive to intellectual growth and geared to career development.

The Programme is encouraged and publicized by a growing network of well-wishers, including staff and students at City University London. The scholarships have been made possible thanks to financial contributions from a number of sponsors, including: Derek Tullett, the MBI Foundation, Sir William Castell, Asif Aziz, The Mark Leonard Trust (Sainsbury's); the Quakers, HSBC, Investec, the Irish Peace Centres consortium, the EU and City University London.

If you are interested in learning more about the Olive Tree Programme as a philanthropic endeavour, and/or attending some of the public discussion meetings (see Olive Tree Forum) then please email olivetree@city.ac.uk.