The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) is honored to unveil Vrije Universiteit Brussel as a new academic partner, joining as a formal participant in the 2025/2026 Scholarship Program. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was penned and signed during a signing ceremony on Thursday, February 6th, 2025, attended by signees Rector of VUB Jan Danckaert and Founder and President of DFL Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish.
Rector Jan Danckaert and Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish pictured celebrating the signing of the MOU at VUB in February, 2025.
This partnership stems from strategic discussions led by DFL Executive Director Jacklin Ibrahim and Dr. Jacqueline Couder, Director of International Relations at VUB.
Through thoughtful negotiations in 2024, both organizations refined agreement terms to maximize benefits for future scholars, driven by a shared commitment to empowering Middle Eastern students facing systemic barriers. VUB leadership remains deeply dedicated to DFL’s mission, recognizing the urgency of expanding educational opportunities at this critical time.
Through this partnership, DFL and VUB will award a Palestinian student with a scholarship every year, fully funding their pursuit of an initial Master’s degree. The event represented a moving moment of progress, embodying both sides’ wholehearted belief in the project.
Rector Danckaert offered meaningful remarks on the initiative during the signing of the MOU, sharing that:
“This program not only provides students in difficult situations with access to knowledge and a diploma. By focusing first on candidates from Palestine, we aim to contribute to the reconstruction efforts following the devastating conflict there.”
VUB’s new collaboration as an academic partner also marks a meaningful milestone for the continued positive trajectory of the foundation’s chapter in Europe. Since its establishment in 2021, the chapter has forged partnerships with various esteemed Belgian institutions, including the University of Antwerp, Université libre de Bruxelles, Ghent University, and most recently, KU Leuven. With VUB as the fifth institution to join, DFL reaffirms its commitment to continuing to foster growth and greater opportunities for the recipients of its program.
Eligible graduate-level DFL Scholarship applicants have been contacted to submit their applications, with DFL’s team on hand to support their efforts. VUB has also offered to waive a limited number of application fees for DFL applicants, reducing financial barriers for prospective scholars.
Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish visited VUB’s campus in Brussels, connecting with leadership figures and faculty while advocating for women’s education.
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a Belgian research university offering bilingual instruction in Dutch and English across more than 100 programs. Diversity is a central value at VUB, where 22,000 students from 145 countries engage in academic and cultural exchange. Ranked among the top 50 universities in Europe, VUB is recognized for its research excellence and faculty expertise. Situated in the heart of Europe, the university’s four campuses in Brussels provide unique access to major European cities such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam, all within three hours of travel.
With state-of-the-art facilities, including a data center and a research and campus walk park featuring artistic installations, VUB offers an enriching academic experience. The university also maintains a strong collaboration with Université libre de Bruxelles, fostering joint initiatives and expanding opportunities for students.
DFL looks forward to seeing its scholars thrive in this dynamic and inclusive academic environment. We extend our gratitude to VUB for its collaboration and commitment, and we are excited to welcome the first cohort of DFL Scholars later this spring.
Learn more about DFL and VUB’s partnership by reading an article about the collaboration published on VUB’s news hub earlier this month, and stay tuned for further updates!