Daughters for Life

New College of Florida is partnering with the Daughters for Life Foundation, providing a transformational education experience for young women across the Middle East, preparing them to become the future leaders their homelands desperately need.

Young women from Middle Eastern countries will attend New College on scholarships during a three-year pilot program that will cover the full cost of tuition, room, board, and other academic and living expenses.

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Gaza physician, author and activist for peace, created the Foundation in 2011 after three of his daughters were killed by Israeli shelling. His hope is that educating women will empower them to bring progress and stability to the region.

2015-2016 Scholars:

Jaida AbuKhader is from Amman, Jordan, and graduated from Amman National School, and also attended high school in New Mexico via an exchange program. Her teachers describe her as having “energy and an open-minded, optimistic attitude towards life and knowledge,” and “a golden touch when it comes to bringing this world together.” She was president of the student government, a literacy volunteer and a sprinter with the track and field team. Jaida speaks Arabic, English and French, and plans to pursue international and area studies at New College.

Rozana Jaber is from Jerusalem, Israel, where she graduated from Saint Anthony’s Coptic College, a secondary school. A teacher described her as a “peacemaker” and “passionate about the truth.” At her high school, Rozana participated in Model United Nations and was captain of the soccer team. Rozana speaks Arabic and English, and her academic plans at New College include computer science and international and area studies.

Simona Rahi is from Jounieh, Lebanon. She graduated from Antonine Sisters School, Ghazir, Lebanon, where she won an award for being the top sciences student. She also attended a high school in Vermont via an exchange program. While in Lebanon, she volunteered as a tutor and with various non-governmental organizations. Simona speaks Arabic, English and French, and plans to study science and public policy at New College.

Diana Tarazi is from the Gaza Strip and graduated from Abdul Hamid Sharaf School in Amman, Jordan, where she was described as a top student and “conscientious, creative and concerned about societal and cultural matters.” She participated in the Albert Schweitzer Leadership for Life Conference and the INJAZ Organization for career guidance, and also established a peer tutoring program and was in the dance program and soccer team. Diana speaks Arabic and English, and plans to study computer science at New College

2014-2015 Scholars:

Leen Al Fatafta is from Amman, Jordan. She graduated in the Scientific Stream from Jubilee School in Amman. In addition to volunteer work with refugees, and starting a reading club, she has participated in debate through Jubilee Model UN, Model Arab’s League, and her high school’s Arab Summit and Parliamentary Council. Her primary academic interests are political science and gender studies. Her guiding principles are freedom of choice, freedom of speech and equity.

Najla Fawwaz is from Eilaboun, Israel. She graduated from Sisters of St. Joseph High School in Nazareth two years ago and has been working since then. She has done volunteer work, rebuilding and cleaning roads and parks in Arab and Jewish villages, as well as reading to children with cancer and assisting at a children’s summer camp. Her primary academic interest is biochemistry and hopes to become a doctor.

Loureen Sayej completed her high school studies in Palestine at Ramallah Friends School. She joins New College from Muscatine Community College in Iowa, where she co-hosted a television show on international topics, was president of the student senate and secretary of the honor society. She attended Seeds of Peace international summer camp, as a camper and a leader. Her academic interests include international and area studies, economics and political science. She hopes to work for the United Nations or an advocate for women’s and children’s rights.

Give Now

Your generous donation to the Daughters for Life Fund will help cover the students’ tuition, room and board, books and living expenses. Your gift will have a tremendous impact on New College, the Daughters for Life Scholars and the world. It will also provide you with a charitable tax deduction. Click here to give.

Learn More

Additional information about Daughters for Life may be found here:
Daughters for Life Foundation
New College, Daughters for Life Foundation Sign Pioneering Scholarship Agreement, June 4, 2013
From the Middle East to Florida: New College’s Daughters for Life Scholars, October 2, 2014
Additional Coverage

Spread the Word

You can effect real change. This community initiative is for those who care deeply about education, the future of the Middle East, and the importance of educating women. Please share this information with your relatives, friends, neighbors, community groups and religious institutions.