Salwad Girls Secondary School, representing the Ramallah and Al-Bireh Directorate of Education, has qualified for the final round of the 9th season of the National Knowledge Competition after defeating Al-Aqsa Girls Secondary School from the Jerusalem Directorate. The match took place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Al-Muntada Hall in the Yasser Arafat Museum.

The qualification came during the central region semi-finals, which featured two rounds. The first brought together Salwad Girls Secondary School, Abu Shkheidim Girls Secondary School (Birzeit), and Awarta Girls Secondary School (South Nablus). The second round included Deir Istiya Girls Secondary School (Salfit), Al-Aqsa Girls Secondary School (Jerusalem), and Beit Iksa Girls Secondary School (Jerusalem Suburbs).

The event was attended by Dr. Ahmad Soboh, Chairman of the Yasser Arafat Foundation; Dr. Owda Musharqa, its Director General; Sadiq Al-Khoudour, Assistant Undersecretary for Student Affairs at the Ministry of Education; and Mohammed Salem, Director General of Student Activities.

In his remarks, Dr. Soboh emphasized the importance of sustaining the National Knowledge Competition as a means of fostering a culturally and nationally aware generation of students. He highlighted the value of continued collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation, stressing the need to strengthen national awareness beyond the formal curriculum, especially in light of current challenges facing the Palestinian cause. He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to preserving and promoting the Palestinian national narrative.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, Sadiq Al-Khoudour reiterated the competition’s role in deepening national awareness among students and enriching their knowledge base. He also conveyed the Minister’s support for such initiatives as part of a broader, structured effort to embed national and cultural education.

Al-Khoudour expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership with the Yasser Arafat Foundation and the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation, and praised the educators involved, particularly those in Gaza, who were unable to participate in person due to the ongoing genocide.
The 9th season of the competition resumed without participation from Gaza’s education directorates due to the severe impact of the recent genocide.

Organized annually by the Yasser Arafat Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation, the National Knowledge Competition aims to enhance students’ understanding of contemporary Palestinian realities, strengthen national identity, and promote museum-based learning. All episodes are recorded and broadcast on Palestine TV and via the Foundation’s official website.