Invest in a Future Professional of Peace and Security

Dear Splendit Investors, 

My name is Zoia Suleiman, and I am pursuing a Master's degree in International and Development Studies at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Growing up in Syria, I was extremely hopeful about the revolution in 2011, which, I thought, would bring my people the prosperity and justice any human being deserves. However, when my family and I were stopped in our own town by the non-governmental armed group forcing us to leave our house and flee the area for our safety, I realized that prosperity was not going to be the next chapter for my country. Moving to Russia, an all-consuming frustration overwhelmed me as I witnessed my country's destruction and the Syrians' humanitarian situation deteriorating from a distance. Such grievance fuelled my passion for becoming fluent in Russian, persevering in my studies, and mobilizing my personal growth to fight for justice, accountability, and the livelihood of the Syrian people. Thus, through relentless work, I pursued a fully-funded education at the United World Colleges in Armenia and the University of British Columbia.

Through my academic journey, I determined that the most meaningful and impactful way to curb violence and achieve sustainable peace in protracted conflict settings was to create links between resourceful international organizations and local groups with on-ground expertise. Therefore, I applied for the International and Development Studies Master at IHEID as every single aspect of the program prepares, facilitates, and enables me to find my place in those international organizations. I was delighted to be admitted to the program with a specialization in Peace, Conflict, and Security, which provides comprehensive theoretical and practical manifestations of conflict and the conditions of peace necessary to dissect the complex Syrian context. As part of the specialization, I have to conduct an Applied Research Project, working with one of the 30 international organizations and 250 NGOs surrounding the institute. In addition, this program offers the opportunity to undertake an internship as part of the degree, which is ideal for me to gain the professional and practical experience I need to succeed in my post-graduation career. Although I was admitted to IHEID's two-year Master's program, I lacked the financial means to attend due to my father's sudden death in April 2021 and the current economic crisis. Being determined to pursue my studies, I launched a gofundme campaign that yielded enough for me to cover my first semester expenses. I also was fortunate to meet a generous sponsor that agreed to cover my tuition fees. However, although I am working next to my studies, I need a loan to support my living expenses until I graduate. My life journey has made me remarkably resilient and independent at a very young age. Therefore, I am confident that I will succeed in my career and be able to repay the loan before or on the indicated deadline.

Further information about my qualifications, experience, and ambitions can be found on my LinkedIn.