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On July 22, 2005, the Circassian Education Foundation held its first public meeting to introduce the Foundation and its programs. The meeting was held at the center of the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. After speeches of welcome and endorsement by the president, vice-president and Imam of the Circassian Benevolent Association, the members of the board of directors of the Foundation gave a slide presentation. Explaining the need for the Foundation, they stated that this was a special focus charitable organization with a mission in promoting higher education, especially for the young generation. Furthermore, the Foundation offers a stable administration and ability to perform long term complex projects. The first 2 projects are a scholarship program for college students and a multilingual internet Circassian dictionary. They assured that the Foundation was not in competition with the Circassian Benevolent Association. Collaboration between the 2 organizations was complete and effective. In addition to the members of the board of directors of the Foundation, 2 young rising stars in the community gave presentations. Mr. Jonty Yamisha explained the rising costs of college education and the need for supporting young students. Ms. Eman Varoqua pointed to the future and the young generation inspiring students and parents. The meeting was well attended by a large number of young students, their families as well as individuals interested in supporting education. Questions about the Foundation and its programs were answered and discussed. Many people expressed strong support for the Foundation and made charitable donations.
On November 12, 2005, a scholarship awards & fund raising dinner was held on at the Nalmas Hall of the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. A total of 17 students were awarded a scholarship. Fifteen students received the Higher Education Scholarship Award. In addition 2 students received the Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Award in recognition of their high grades. The group of students were pursuing higher education in 9 different colleges and universities including 4 students at William Paterson University, 3 at Bergen Community College, 2 at Fairleigh Dickenson University, 2 at Montclair State University, 2 at Passaic County Community College and 1 student at each of Caldwell College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University and New York University. The class level included 8 freshmen, 4 sophomores, 2 juniors and 3 seniors. They were pursuing higher education in a wide range of career paths including pre-medical, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental, pre-law, criminal justice, political science, biology and information technology. The dinner was well attended by families, relatives and friends of the students as well as other individuals interested in supporting youth education. The dinner was opened by the master of ceremony Mr. Jonty Yamisha. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Foundation Dr Ridwan Shabsigh, the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Muhammad Kardan, the vice president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Khaldoun Hilmi and Imam Talaat Taher. This was followed by a speech by the honor guest the president of William Paterson University Dr. Arnol Speert. He energized the whole evening with his presentation on the changes in higher education in the 21st century. Subsequently, Dr. Speert was joined by a group of alumni of William Paterson University for a group photo. Then the vice president of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr. Sean Ziwar Hajo presented an overview of the scholarship program. The auditor of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Kahtan Barsaby led the board of directors in presenting the awards to the students. The secretary of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Koushby Majagah presented an update on the internet-based Circassian language dictionary. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young men and women. The treasurer of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh led a session of fundraising through an auction and a raffle. The dinner participants were very generous in their donations. Mrs. Lena Cekir gave a presentation on the road to higher education. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner. Special thanks go to the Circassian Benevolent Association for making the Nalmas hall available for the dinner free of charge. See photos from the scholarship awards & fundraising dinner of November 12, 2005 [link]
On Saturday May 13, 2006, a fund raising dinner was held on at the Nalmas Hall of the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. The dinner was well attended by a large number of individuals interested in supporting youth education. The dinner was opened by the master of ceremony Mr. Jonty Yamisha. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Foundation Dr Ridwan Shabsigh, the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Muhammad Kardan, the vice president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Khaldoun Hilmi and Imam Talaat Taher. The special honor guest was the honorable Passaic County Sheriff Jerry Speziale. He gave an eloquent speech emphasizing education of the youth and the involvement of the community. The keynote speaker was professor Dr. Aksam Yassin the vice dean of the Gulf Medical College, UAE. His wonderful speech underlined the value of education to every individual and his or her life. Then the vice president of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr. Sean Ziwar Hajo presented an overview of the scholarship program. The secretary of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Koushby Majagah presented an update on the internet-based Circassian language dictionary. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers. The treasurer of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh led a session of fundraising through an auction and a raffle. The dinner participants were very generous in their donations. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group. Special thanks go to the Circassian Benevolent Association for making the Nalmas hall available for the dinner. See photos from the scholarship awards & fundraising dinner of May 13, 2006 [link]
On Sunday November 19, 2006, a scholarship awards & fund raising dinner was held on at the Nalmas Hall of the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. A total of 38 students were awarded a scholarship. Thirty two students received the Higher Education Scholarship Award. In addition 3 students received an Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Award in recognition of their high grades; and another 3 students received an Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Award in recognition of their excellent essays. The sum of all awards was $ 41,500. The group of students were pursuing higher education in 9 different colleges and universities including William Paterson University, Bergen Community College, Fairleigh Dickenson University, Montclair State University, Passaic County Community College, at each of Caldwell College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University and Springfield College and Seton Hall University. They were pursuing higher education in a wide range of career paths including pre-medical, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental, pre-law, criminal justice, political science, biology and information technology. The dinner was well attended by families, relatives and friends of the students as well as other individuals interested in supporting youth education. The dinner was opened by the mistress of ceremony Ms. Rasha Altidoka. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Foundation Dr Ridwan Shabsigh, and the vice president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Khaldoun Hilmi. The dinner was dedicated to the memory of Mr. Muhammad Kardan the late president of the Circassian Benevolent Association. Also, mentioned at the dinner were the late Mr. Nawzat Coubati and sergeant Daniel Ishak. Mr. Janette Shurdom gave a special presentation on opportunities at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Entertainment included a comedy/magic show by Mr. Charles Del Rosso. A Circassian singing performance was presented by Ms. Jana Meremova with the musician Mr. Zalem Erugov. Enjoyable Circassian music was provided by Mr. Amer Bazoka. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner. Special thanks go to the Circassian Benevolent Association for making the Nalmas hall available for the dinner free of charge. See photos from the scholarship awards & fundraising dinner of November 19, 2006 [link to come shortly]
On Saturday May 27, 2007, a fund raising dinner was held on at the Nalmas Hall of the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. The dinner was well attended by a large number of individuals interested in supporting youth education. The dinner was opened by the mistress of ceremony Ms. Lara Zakaria. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Foundation Dr Ridwan Shabsigh, and the president of the Circassian Benevolent Assocation Mr. Marwan Sholach. The keynote speaker was Dr. Sonia Gof. She was recognized as the first Circassian to ever go an American medical school in the USA. She gave an eloquent speech emphasizing education of the youth and the involvement of the community. A very special entertainment was international music on violin and oud performed by Dr. Simon Shaheen. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers. The treasurer of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh led a session of fundraising through an auction and a raffle. The dinner participants were very generous in their donations. The Circassian Education Foundation presented a special plaque to Mr. Amer Bazoka in recognition of his volunteer work and contributions to Circassian music and culture. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group. Special thanks go to the Circassian Benevolent Association for making the Nalmas hall available for the dinner. See photos from the scholarship awards & fundraising dinner of May 27, 2007 [link to come shortly]
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