The Gaza Students Campaign Workshop held at Birzeit University on Friday, 14 August aimed to provide training in basic campaigning skills. The workshop was attended by 90 Palestinians and 70 internationals from 14 different countries. Discussion topics included research and writing skills, networking strategies and advice on how to approach the media. Speakers discussed their experience of campaigning in Palestine and beyond.

The workshop proved to be a very positive experience, useful for developing approaches for campaigning both in Palestine and internationally as well as for formulating specific ideas for the Gaza Students Campaign and Gaza Students Action Day which will take place on 19 November this year.

International participants found it particularly useful to meet Palestinians and discuss problems facing them so that they could draw attention to these issues in their own countries. Ideas such for lobbying governments, organising cultural events, including photo exhibitions and academic conferences were announced.

For the Palestinians, the next three months will include various local activities to draw attention to the arbitrary nature of the permit system.

All participants stressed the importance of academic freedom as a basic human right, crucial to the future of Palestine.

In order for those outside the region to benefit from the workshop, materials used for the workshop and suggestions can be obtained from the international coordinator of the Gaza Students Campaign at Birzeit University.