Two Women with Inspiring Journeys

Mélissa Gélinas

Thanks to their determination, resilience, and courage, Sunobar Asifi, originally from Afghanistan, and Zhour AlNaser, originally from Syria, had the privilege of receiving BRAVO Scholarship Funds in the Outaouais region. Both war refugees, they wanted to share their stories with students in a French immersion class by visiting the Cégep de l’Outaouais at the Louis-Reboul Campus on December 12, 2025.

A Difficult Journey

Their success was the result of a long process of learning and integration. “Their immigration story, [...] filled with challenges overcome and personal victories, leaves no one indifferent,” said retired diplomat Jacques Laberge, a founder of and spokesperson for the BRAVO Scholarship Funds in the Outaouais region. “Their message of hope and encouragement resonates with learners who appreciate contact with strong, motivated, and inspiring role models.”

Zhour AlNaser

Mother of five, Zhour arrived in Gatineau in 2016 with limited formal education. She faced daily challenges balancing her studies and family responsibilities. Despite the difficulties, she managed to learn French and complete high school. She then earned a vocational studies certificate in Clinical Administrative Support, as well as a vocational diploma in Dental Assisting. Since 2019, she has been the proud owner of a bungalow in the Hull sector.

Sunobar Asifi

In 2013, at just 13 years old, Sunobar moved to Gatineau with her family for the very first time. Born blind, she nonetheless completed her final year of high school with excellent results, which allowed her to be admitted to the University of Ottawa's psychology program. To help her in her daily life, she gets around with a guide dog from the Mira Foundation and uses various digital software programs. In the future, she would like to obtain a doctorate and help women who are victims of violence.

About the BRAVO Scholarship Fund in the Outaouais Region

Founded in 2021 by a group of mostly retired volunteers and led by Jacques Laberge, the initiative has awarded 45 scholarships to date, ranging from $740 to $2,000 to newcomers aged 16 to 45 from 15 different countries who have been residents of the Outaouais region in 2012 or later.

This achievement was made possible thanks to $50,000 in donations raised by the community and several partners, including the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), the Centre de services scolaires des Draveurs, the Archdiocese of Gatineau, the Islamic Centre of the Outaouais, a car dealership, and a major grocery store.

This is also the only scholarship program in Quebec whose mission is to promote French language learning, academic perseverance, and educational success.

Scholarship recipients must successfully learn French, complete a training program, and obtain a first diploma recognized by the Quebec government. They must then commit to becoming education ambassadors by presenting and sharing their experiences with students from immigrant communities in various schools in the region.