Trent University’s commitment to providing educational opportunities for women throughout the Middle East was highlighted at the second annual Daughters for Life Foundation gala on May 28, 2013 when graduate students Yosra Albakkar and  Hadeel Baraka joined a distinguished group of speakers, headlined by 2012 Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Daughters for Life Foundation president Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish.

Ms. Albakkar and Ms. Baraka are two Trent scholars supported by the Daughters for Life Foundation, the Graduate Studies Office at the University, the Trent International Program (TIP) and a Trent scholarship fund provided through the generosity of the Fern Rahmel Estate. As part of the partnership with Daughters for Life, which was confirmed with Trent in 2011, both students receive scholarships to support their studies at Trent.

A student in the Masters of Sustainability Studies program, Ms. Albakkar is studying wastewater reuses in Jordanian agriculture, exploring how ecosystems, local culture, institutions and economic requirements can work to achieve sustainability. Ms. Baraka is currently undertaking studies in the University’s English as a Second Language program with plans to pursue a graduate degree in Applied Modelling and Quantitative Methods.

Joining Ms. Albakkar and Ms. Baraka at the distinguished event were Trent president and vice-chancellor Dr. Steven Franklin and other representatives from the University, including students, alumni, friends, faculty and staff.

Speaking of Trent’s partnership with Daughters for Life, Dr. Steven Franklin said: “We eagerly look forward to supporting and developing the leadership, knowledge and ability of these young women. No doubt they will add to our growing community of accomplished and distinguished alumni. We also look forward to expanding and sustaining our partnership with Daughters for Life for many years to come.”

The Daughters for Life Foundation is a registered Canadian charity that provides young women in high school and university the opportunity, through education, to develop a strong voice and play a leading role in improving the quality of life throughout the Middle East. The foundation was created by Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish in 2010 in honour of his three daughters, Bessan, 21, Mayar, 15, and Aya, 13, who were killed in the Gaza Strip.