blog – Daughters for Life Foundation

A New Partnership with UCLouvain and 2 Inaugural 2026 Scholarship Winners

Hodan2026-10-21T09:54:02-04:00

During the 2026 Scholarship Program cycle, DFL welcomed a new academic partner into its growing global network. UCLouvain is a distinguished institution in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, taking the title of the largest French-speaking university in the country. Offering a vibrant academic environment and ample opportunities for learning, growth and professional enrichment, DFL, in partnership with UCLouvain, has awarded two full scholarships to two young women from Palestine, representing the inaugural cohort [...]

A New Partnership with UCLouvain and 2 Inaugural 2026 Scholarship WinnersHodan2026-10-21T09:54:02-04:00

ULB Welcomes 3 DFL Scholars: Introducing the 2026 DFL Cohort

Hodan2026-10-21T09:52:47-04:00

This year, DFL welcomes three new scholars at Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), one of our longest standing academic partners in Europe. Meet them and get to know their stories: Meet Hala Elhassan Hala Elhassan is DFL’s first Sudanese scholar who just began a Master’s in Economic Science in Brussels. Born and originally raised in Saudi Arabia, Hala’s family moved back to Sudan when she was 13 years old, which [...]

ULB Welcomes 3 DFL Scholars: Introducing the 2026 DFL CohortHodan2026-10-21T09:52:47-04:00

3 New Scholars at the University of Antwerp: Welcoming the 2026 DFL Cohort

Hodan2026-09-15T17:35:47-04:00

The University of Antwerp is DFL’s first academic partner from Belgium, reflecting the foundation’s most enduring partnership in the region. This year, DFL has awarded three students with full scholarships to pursue their graduate studies at the university. Each student brings a distinct story, academic interests shaped by their lived experiences and professional goals rooted in community building, leadership and positive change. We are honoured to introduce them: Meet Afaf [...]

3 New Scholars at the University of Antwerp: Welcoming the 2026 DFL CohortHodan2026-09-15T17:35:47-04:00

Welcoming Wesal Aljabr: A New DFL Scholar at York University

Hodan2026-09-08T17:48:26-04:00

As the 2026/27 academic year begins, the Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) is proud to welcome Wesal Aljabr, one of our newest scholars beginning her studies in Canada this fall. Her journey reflects determination, resilience and a deep commitment to using education to create opportunities for herself and others. Meet Wesal Aljabr Wesal is an 18-year-old scholar from Syria who will begin a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at York [...]

Welcoming Wesal Aljabr: A New DFL Scholar at York UniversityHodan2026-09-08T17:48:26-04:00

A Bright Future Ahead: Celebrating Nancy Khaled’s Graduation

Hodan2025-12-05T12:29:58-05:00

A Journey From Egypt to Belgium: Reflections From a DFL Graduate We are excited to share that one of our Scholars, Nancy Khaled, has graduated with a Masters in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (MSc) from Belgium’s University of Antwerp, one of DFL’s first academic partners in Europe. This month, we caught up with Nancy to celebrate her graduation and listen to her reflections on her academic journey and experience as [...]

A Bright Future Ahead: Celebrating Nancy Khaled’s GraduationHodan2025-12-05T12:29:58-05:00

Building a Future in Tech: Grace Hanna’s Graduation and Next Steps

Hodan2025-12-04T16:00:22-05:00

A DFL Scholar’s Path to Success in Computer Science The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) is proud to celebrate a new milestone of one of our DFL scholars, Grace Hanna from Syria, who has recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in Belgium. From adjusting to a new educational system to overcoming academic challenges, Grace’s experience is an example of how determination [...]

Building a Future in Tech: Grace Hanna’s Graduation and Next StepsHodan2025-12-04T16:00:22-05:00

From Dreams to Reality: Welcoming Two of DFL’s Latest Scholars

Hodan2025-10-10T11:32:07-04:00

Futures in the Making: Hajer and Maram Arrive in Canada and Belgium With the 2025/26 academic year underway, DFL is proud to spotlight two of our outstanding scholarship winners now studying in Belgium and Canada: Hajer Radwan and Maram Al-Tamimi. This fall, we reconnected to learn more about their interests, the impact of their scholarships, and their future goals. As they embark on their respective paths, we invite you to [...]

From Dreams to Reality: Welcoming Two of DFL’s Latest ScholarsHodan2025-10-10T11:32:07-04:00

Daughters for Life Foundation Renews Partnership with Gaza University (GU)

Hodan2025-08-11T12:43:54-04:00

Announcing the 2025 DFL Awards Program: Supporting 100 Female Palestinian Students With Financial Bursaries The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) is proud to announce the renewal of its impactful Awards Program, designed to ease the financial burdens faced by young Middle Eastern women as they complete their post-secondary education. Through this initiative, DFL provides one-time financial support to female undergraduate students nearing graduation at partner institutions in the Middle East. [...]

Daughters for Life Foundation Renews Partnership with Gaza University (GU)Hodan2025-08-11T12:43:54-04:00

The Determination of a Professional: Commemorating Amna Hmeedat’s Graduation

Hodan2025-07-04T14:24:33-04:00

Hope and Perseverance: The Journey of a DFL Graduate A member of DFL’s 2024 cohort celebrated her graduation this past fall, and the foundation was present to mark the exciting occasion with an interview. Join us as we spotlight Amna Hmeedat of Palestine, who recently completed her Master’s in Nonprofit and Leadership at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ). The program is a joint project developed and operated by the [...]

The Determination of a Professional: Commemorating Amna Hmeedat’s GraduationHodan2025-07-04T14:24:33-04:00

From DFL to the United Nations: Katia Paraskiva, Story of a Master’s Graduate

Hodan2025-07-04T14:23:02-04:00

Growth In Action: Insights from a DFL Graduate Part of the Class of 2024, Katia Paraskiva is a professional who leveled up her toolkit by graduating from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ)’s Master’s program in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. To celebrate her achievement, DFL conducted an interview with Katia near the end of 2024, catching up on her period of evolution and gaining insights on her unique experience as [...]

From DFL to the United Nations: Katia Paraskiva, Story of a Master’s GraduateHodan2025-07-04T14:23:02-04:00

Global Citizen Graduation: Celebrating Nouhaila Bensghir’s Master’s Completion

Hodan2025-07-08T11:07:34-04:00

A Journey of Discovery: Past Reflections and Hopes for the Future One of our 2024 Graduates, Nouhaila Bensghir of Morocco, has paved the way for herself over the course of her time at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB). This past autumn, the DFL team caught up with Nouhaila to celebrate her graduation from the 2-year Master's in Political Sciences, International Relations program offered by the university’s Faculty of Philosophy [...]

Global Citizen Graduation: Celebrating Nouhaila Bensghir’s Master’s CompletionHodan2025-07-08T11:07:34-04:00

Introducing A New Partnership with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Hodan2025-02-20T13:34:09-05:00

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. [...]

Introducing A New Partnership with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)Hodan2025-02-20T13:34:09-05:00

Commemorating A New Chapter: DFL Welcomes Lina Shehada, Master’s Student at ULB

Hodan2025-02-19T15:17:09-05:00

During trying times, remaining hopeful, determined and passionate is vital. These qualities define the spirit of the Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL)’s advocacy for Middle Eastern women, especially those displaced and impacted by conflict. Through the support of our academic partners, including the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), we are able to extend life-changing educational opportunities to our scholarship recipients. Join us as we welcome Lina Shehada, a Palestinian scholar [...]

Commemorating A New Chapter: DFL Welcomes Lina Shehada, Master’s Student at ULBHodan2025-02-19T15:17:09-05:00

Overcoming Adversity and Embracing New Possibilities on Her Academic Journey

Hodan2024-12-31T02:36:21-05:00

Resilience in Practice: DFL Scholar Raghad Zughayer Graduates with Her Master's Among the five exceptional DFL scholars graduating in 2024 is Raghad Zughayer from Palestine. She earned her Master's degree in Linguistics and English Literary Studies from the prestigious University of Antwerp (UAntwerp), marking a significant milestone in her academic journey. This program choice reflects both her personal lifelong fascination with language and her belief in it as a propelling [...]

Overcoming Adversity and Embracing New Possibilities on Her Academic JourneyHodan2024-12-31T02:36:21-05:00

Daughters for Life Foundation Announces New Partnership with KU Leuven, Belgium

Hodan2024-10-29T12:37:50-04:00

Synergy for Opportunity: Full Scholarships for Master’s Programs, Enrollment to Start Fall 2025 The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium. This comes following an initiative sparked by our founder and president, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, after he was invited by the university in May 2024. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in DFL’s mission to empower [...]

Daughters for Life Foundation Announces New Partnership with KU Leuven, BelgiumHodan2024-10-29T12:37:50-04:00

Celebrating the Resilience of Ola and Zena as They Pursue Education and Opportunity in Belgium

Hodan2025-10-07T11:03:20-04:00

Empowering Dreams Amidst Turmoil: DFL Welcomes Two Gazan Palestinian Scholars In the face of adversity, the Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) continues to shine a light on the power of education and opportunity for Palestinian women. As part of our unwavering commitment to empowering women in conflict zones, we proudly introduce the second instalment of our two-part scholar spotlight series, showcasing the incredible achievements of our 2024/25 Scholarship Winners hailing [...]

Celebrating the Resilience of Ola and Zena as They Pursue Education and Opportunity in BelgiumHodan2025-10-07T11:03:20-04:00

Daughters for Life Foundation Announces New Partnership with the University of Southern Maine, US

Hodan2024-10-04T11:48:51-04:00

Collaborating to Empower Future Leaders: Up to Three Fully-Funded Scholarships to be Awarded Annually Starting Fall 2025 We are thrilled to announce the Daughters for Life Foundation's (DFL) latest partnership with the University of Southern Maine (USM), which now joins our expanding global network of academic partners. This collaboration was solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 2024. The foundation's connection with USM began during [...]

Daughters for Life Foundation Announces New Partnership with the University of Southern Maine, USHodan2024-10-04T11:48:51-04:00

DFL Welcomes Its Newest Scholars to Canada

Hodan2024-09-30T11:55:49-04:00

Two Inspiring Journeys Just Begun: Welcoming Farah and Alaa to Canada It’s that exciting time of year when the Daughters for Life Foundation proudly welcomes the recipients of our Scholarship Program for the 2024/25 academic cycle. We are thrilled to introduce the first batch of inspiring scholarship winners who have just arrived in Canada to embark on their educational journeys. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements about additional scholars coming [...]

DFL Welcomes Its Newest Scholars to CanadaHodan2024-09-30T11:55:49-04:00

Dania Mahadin: A Journey of Resilience and Inspiration

Hodan2025-01-31T23:35:59-05:00

Reflections of a DFL Graduate: Dania Mahadin Our first graduate of 2024, Dania Mahadin, has achieved remarkable success as a young Jordanian scholar graduating from York University’s Specialized Honors Civil Engineering program. This prestigious program is part of the Lassonde School of Engineering, renowned for its excellence in STEM education. Dania's journey with the Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) is particularly special, as she was the only scholar selected from [...]

Dania Mahadin: A Journey of Resilience and InspirationHodan2025-01-31T23:35:59-05:00

Shining Bright: Introducing the 5 DFL Scholarship Winners of 2023!

Shawn Li2025-07-04T14:25:24-04:00

Shining Bright: Introducing the 5 DFL Scholarship Winners of 2023! The Daughters for Life Foundation is delighted to officially welcome our new cycle of 2023/24 scholarship recipients! Attending partner institutions across three continents, we are giving our warmest welcome to a total of five new scholars joining the ever-growing network of young women whose lives have been touched by our program. Though it’s a busy time for them as they [...]

Shining Bright: Introducing the 5 DFL Scholarship Winners of 2023!Shawn Li2025-07-04T14:25:24-04:00

Reimagined and Revitalized: The Return of DFL’s Award’s Program

Shawn Li2023-08-31T23:25:42-04:00

Celebrating 58 winners of the 2023 Cycle Summer of 2023 marked the return of the Daughters For Life Foundation’s (DFL) Awards Program for the first time since 2016. The well received program is one that aims to alleviate the financial burden from Middle Eastern students in their junior years of undergraduate study by bestowing a financial award in recognition of resilience against hardship, financial need, a dedication to academic excellence [...]

Reimagined and Revitalized: The Return of DFL’s Award’s ProgramShawn Li2023-08-31T23:25:42-04:00

Embracing Accomplishments: Interviews with DFL’s 5 New Alumni of Spring 2023

Shawn Li2023-09-01T12:18:52-04:00

Embracing Accomplishments: Interviews with DFL's 5 New Alumni of Spring 2023 As our new scholars have new beginnings, our outgoing DFL graduates mark the end of their respective academic journeys with pride and celebration. We are congratulating 5 DFL scholars on their respective graduations this spring, each one serving as an unforgettable milestone. Yousra Benradi, Liyan Alkawafhah, Saja Saymeh, Sara Saad and Rasha Aljbour Almajali are DFL’s Class [...]

Embracing Accomplishments: Interviews with DFL’s 5 New Alumni of Spring 2023Shawn Li2023-09-01T12:18:52-04:00

DFL Scholar Sets Eyes on Global Health Initiatives

jacklin2025-07-04T14:27:46-04:00

Esraa’s Journey with Daughters for Life Daughters for Life Foundation is proud to celebrate another successful and brilliant scholar, Esraa Hassan. In June 2022, Esraa graduated from Western University’s Brescia University College with a Bachelor's in Food and Nutrition. Coming from a humble background with three siblings, and limited financial resources, a scholarship would allow Esraa to go beyond the city where they lived. She was in a [...]

DFL Scholar Sets Eyes on Global Health Initiativesjacklin2025-07-04T14:27:46-04:00

An Even Bigger DFL Family: Welcome to Our Eight New Scholars!

Shawn Li2025-02-01T00:19:13-05:00

Eight Scholars, Eight Lives Changed for The Better The Daughters for Life Foundation is thrilled to welcome the new scholars joining us in 2022! We have a total of eight brilliant new scholars from all over the Middle East, pursuing their studies across a wide variety of disciplines and academic levels, spread between Canada, Belgium and Israel, to mark a new chapter in DFL’s history. In late [...]

An Even Bigger DFL Family: Welcome to Our Eight New Scholars!Shawn Li2025-02-01T00:19:13-05:00

Never be Afraid to Try Something New:

Shawn Li2025-02-01T00:19:34-05:00

Eva’s Journey with Daughters for Life Daughters for Life Foundation is proud to celebrate another successful and brilliant scholar, Eva Shenoda. In June 2021, Eva graduated from York University with a specialized Honors BSc in Biology. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s in gastrointestinal sciences with a specialization in immunology at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine in Canada. Following in our founder’s footsteps, Eva has [...]

Never be Afraid to Try Something New:Shawn Li2025-02-01T00:19:34-05:00

Steps Toward Greatness: Congratulations to Dr. Saja Anabusi

jacklin2022-11-17T13:14:35-05:00

Congratulations to Dr. Saja Anabusi, DFL's Graduating Fellow of Maternal-Fetal Medicine! With the support of Daughters for Life (DFL), Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Dr. Saja Anabusi recently completed a highly competitive fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) offered by the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Mount Sinai Hospital. This exclusive program is accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). Once selected [...]

Steps Toward Greatness: Congratulations to Dr. Saja Anabusijacklin2022-11-17T13:14:35-05:00

New European Branch of Daughters for Life Aims to Expand Opportunities for Young Women

Nico Derilo2022-09-07T19:15:05-04:00

"A healthy society needs wise and educated women. An educated and healthy woman will raise an educated and healthy family.” [...]

New European Branch of Daughters for Life Aims to Expand Opportunities for Young WomenNico Derilo2022-09-07T19:15:05-04:00

Two New Scholars, Two Inspiring Stories, A Bigger DFL Family

admin2025-02-01T00:22:24-05:00

We are delighted to announce that two wonderful scholars will be joining Daughters for Life Foundation in Fall 2021 who will be studying through the new partnership with the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. This partnership was established through the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University. Please meet Farah Qadi and Ni’mati Dmeiry! Both scholars will be studying at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in the fall. Farah’s Story: Finding [...]

Two New Scholars, Two Inspiring Stories, A Bigger DFL Familyadmin2025-02-01T00:22:24-05:00

Towards a Better Health System: Daughters for Life Welcomes a New Fellow!

admin2023-09-03T22:38:35-04:00

Daughters for Life Welcomes a New Fellow As we all try to cope with the current pandemic’s struggles, we are proud to see another wonderful young woman join the Daughters for Life family. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Saja Anabusi, our new fellow, who will be training at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Mount Sinai Hospital’s maternal-fetal medicine unit. Saja is an Obstetrics [...]

Towards a Better Health System: Daughters for Life Welcomes a New Fellow!admin2023-09-03T22:38:35-04:00

Congratulations to Dr. Zaaroura! DFL First Medical Fellow

admin2023-09-03T22:38:35-04:00

Dr. Hiba Zaaroura, DFL First Medical Fellow Daughters for Life are proud to announce that Dr. Hiba Zaaroura is the Daughters for Life first fellow ever to have completed the Medical Fellowship with the Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. We are so eager to share this accomplishment with our community! Born in Jerusalem, Dr. Zaaroura was raised in the small village of Reineh in Israel. She was exposed to [...]

Congratulations to Dr. Zaaroura! DFL First Medical Fellowadmin2023-09-03T22:38:35-04:00

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