GU-Q Student Making Strides in Activism and Academic Excellence

English , Events - تقریبات , Snippets , / Tuesday, June 4th, 2024

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Mohammed Usrof (SFS’25), a rising senior at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), is making a significant impact both inside and outside the classroom. Balancing a busy academic schedule with numerous international activities, Mohammed exemplifies the power of youth activism and academic excellence.

Growing up in Qatar, Mohammed’s passion for change started early. “I attended the Arab International Academy here, and then got into Georgetown,” he says. “From founding the Georgetown Student Consulting Club and the Moot Court Club to serving as president of the Best Buddies Club and representative of the batch of 2025, I’ve always believed in the power of student leadership.”

Mohammed’s achievements are impressive. He has received the 2024 Davis Project for Peace Prize, represented youth at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), and co-founded the Climate Alliance for Palestine. The centerpiece of his recent work is the Seeds of Hope, a project he co-founded to support displaced Gazan children in Egypt and Jordan through specialized workshops combining psychological care and education. “Our goal is to nurture resilience and foster peace among these children,” Mohammed explains.

Mohammed, a Palestinian who has been aiding Gazan evacuees for the past two months with accommodation, legal assistance, and job opportunities in Egypt, discovered a passion for connecting people and organizations with shared humanitarian interests. “The support from volunteers and regional partners has been incredible, and I wanted to provide a way to formalize this network through the Seeds of Hope project,” he said.

While working on these hands-on humanitarian efforts, Mohammed also continues to be a voice for change, presenting and conducting workshops at the Feminist Peace and Security School in Tunis. In June, he will attend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Bonn, Germany, to discuss plans for COP29 in Azerbaijan. “I will also start an internship with the Permanent Mission of Palestine, traveling between Germany and Belgium,” he notes.

Reflecting on his journey, Mohammed notes, “GU-Q professors have pushed me to delve deeper into my studies and activism.” He emphasizes the importance of grassroots initiatives: “Developing and strengthening community-based committees and working directly on the ground is extremely meaningful, empowering others to build strong organizations.”

Despite challenges, Mohammed is optimistic about the potential for change. His advice to fellow students is clear: “Acknowledge your privilege and use it to make a difference. Engage with your community and push for programs that include marginalized voices.”

Mohammed embodies GU-Q’s commitment to holistic education and global impact. His pursuit of justice and equity, combined with strategic vision, is transforming lives and proving that student activism can spark global change. Mohammed remains focused and forward-thinking: “I’m always looking at the bigger picture, and planning for impact years from now.”