Scholarships and Bursaries

Eva Wahab was the first Lebanese Muslim girl born in Ottawa. She is remembered as a pioneer in our community who dedicated much of her life to the service of our community and the early establishment of the Ottawa Main Mosque. She was a key player in co-founding the first women’s organization which refined the role of women in our community.

 

Eva Wahab was the first Lebanese Muslim girl born in Ottawa. She is remembered as a pioneer in our community who dedicated much of her life to the service of our community and the early establishment of the Ottawa Main Mosque. She was a key player in co-founding the first women’s organization which refined the role of women in our community.

 

OMWO aspires to continue and expand this program by pooling your generous donations. It is a good cause to help change the lives of those students who have potential and need in the financial push to move forward. At the same time, our beloved Eva Wahab will be remembered in this light for a long time.

 

More information about Eva Wahab Bursary can be found here.

Khadija Haffajee was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. She moved to Ottawa, Canada in 1966. She spent over 50 years living and working in Ottawa. Khadija devoted her life to the care and well-being of Ottawa Gatineau Muslim Community. In 1997, she was the first female elected to the Board of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), and served as treasurer at the Ottawa Muslim Association (OMA), and president of the Women’s Auxiliary. She went on a lecture tour of Malawi and Zimbabwe and represented Canadian Muslim women at the UN conference on Women in Beijing China. She attended the International Muslim Women’s Union in Sudan, and the World Conference on Religion and Peace in Amaan Jordan.

 

She served as a board member of the Multicultural Advisory Committee at CHEO, and a member of the Spiritual Care in Secondary Schools’ Coordinating Committee. She has given lectures on Islam in many schools, churches and universities locally, nationally and internationally. She mentored university and college young women through study circles, book clubs, etc.

 

In honour of Khadija Haffajee, the Ottawa Muslim Women’s Organization initiated a bursary at the Algonquin College to support a Syrian refugee student(s) enrolled in one of the following programs Baking and Pastry Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts Management, Culinary Management, Electrician (Construction and Maintenance) or Mechanical Techniques- Plumbing program who can demonstrate financial need.

 

More information about Khadija Haffajee Bursary can be found here.

Charlotte Lorbeer was born and raised and trained as a nurse in Germany. She came to Canada in 1955. She got married to Khalaq Chaudhry and became Charlotte Saida Chaudhry. Charlotte worked as a nurse in Ottawa and Gatineau for 22 years. She worked with mentally challenged children

 

Charlotte supported new immigrants for years both financially and morally. She volunteered at the Welcome Centre and served at the Ottawa Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) for several years. Charlotte was a member of the Standing Social Services Committee of the Ottawa Muslim Women’s Auxiliary for decades serving immigrant families in need.

 

Charlotte helped the Vietnamese Boat people when they arrived in Ottawa in the 1970s. She published a book of the 40 prophetic traditions for children during the “International Year of the Child”. She also published a book “Song for Muslim Children”. Charlotte taught at the Sunday school for many years.

 

In honour of Charlotte, the Ottawa Muslim Women’s Organization initiated a bursary at the Algonquin College to support a female student in the Nursing program in recognition of Charlotte and her profession.

 

OMWO aspires to continue and expand this program by pooling your generous donations. It is a good cause to help change the lives of those students who have potential and need in the financial push to move forward. At the same time, our beloved Charlotte will be recognized by many for years to come. Thank you for your support.

 

More information about Charlotte Lorbeer Bursary can be found here.