The BRAVO Scholarship Fund in Outaouais once again rewards immigrant students

Mélissa Gélinas

During the fourth edition of the BRAVO Celebration for a First Degree in Canada, nine immigrant students received scholarships worth between $1,000 and $2,000 on May 25 at the Maison du Citoyen in Gatineau. About a hundred people were present for the occasion, including the guest of honour, the Honourable Julie Miville-Dechêne, Independent Senator from Quebec.

The BRAVO Scholarship Fund in Outaouais serves primarily to recognize the efforts of Gatineau students in learning French and obtaining a diploma recognized by the Quebec government. "This is the only scholarship program in Quebec dedicated to young allophone refugees and newcomers," said Jacques Laberge, retired diplomat, founder and spokesperson for the BRAVO Scholarship Fund in Outaouais. According to Laberge, since 2021, this program has helped more than 42 allophone students from 15 different countries. In addition, over $50,000 has been raised for this purpose. "With the slogan Integration through Education, the BRAVO Scholarship Fund in Outaouais is a tangible demonstration of the solidarity of dedicated and committed volunteers who contribute to the better integration of newcomers in Gatineau," he says.

The nine recipients were: Hadia Jabarkhil from Afghanistan, Maria Paula Montoya and Valentina Villamil from Colombia, Maja Cica from Croatia, Mohammad Hossein Bokaei Jaci from Iran, Basant Gheth from Egypt, Karine Acadia Irankunda from Mozambique, Ghazal AlHalabi from Syria, and Sandra Rincon Flores from Venezuela.

According to Senator Miville-Dechêne, it was an emotional event. "Hearing each recipient tell their story, their progress, their challenges, and their dreams in French was very touching," she said. "Each story was remarkable, like that of Basant Gheth, a mother of four who began university studies."

"I think this event illustrates that a community like Gatineau can contribute to the integration of immigrants and refugees [...]," said the Senator. "The initiative of retired diplomat Jacques Laberge and a whole group of volunteers is remarkable. For four years, they have been awarding scholarships, encouraging these young people, and making them feel welcome."