Al Madad Foundation Scholars

Part of the first intake of AMF Scholars, Jenny’s story reflects that of many young people navigating the devastation of Lebanon’s economic and political crises

When the war of 2006 forced a move north to Beirut with her parents and 3 siblings, the family left behind not only the fighting but also relative economic stability and a supportive extended family. The financial crisis of 2019 and rapid devaluation of the Lebanese currency decimated their income and savings, and more recently evacuations due to conflict with Israel in the south of the country meant the addition of her grandparents into their already-stretched home.

Throughout everything, the Ayoubs have prioritised education and AMF was pleased to support their efforts through fees assistance as part of our Lebanese Schools Programme. Jenny was an award-winning scholar, excelling academically throughout her time at school while also working as a volunteer for the Lebanese Red Cross and a group supervisor with the Scouts, and in the autumn of 2024 began an extremely competitive degree course in Software Engineering at the Lebanese University. When the AMF team met Jenny, we were impressed by her determination, conscientiousness and optimism for her country, and it is a privilege to continue to support her in her academic journey.

Background on the AMF Scholars Programme:

In 2022 AMF started supporting a number of schools in the Beirut casas of Metn and Baabda. Our conversations with headteachers highlighted the urgency of helping those struggling local families whose decimated salaries meant their ability to continue to contribute financially to their children's education was severely limited.

In 2024 AMF launched a new support programme to pupils finishing their last year of studies in partner schools and preparing to go to university. This award supports the students with their living expenses as they navigate a new period of their life. AMF is committed to supporting those who wish to stay in Lebanon to study.

We hope that this scholarship will help alleviate any concerns the parents have towards supporting their child to pursue their dream career.

We expect this award to be used by former AMF-supported school pupils who will remain at home for the period of a three- or four-year degree at any of The Lebanese University faculties across in Lebanon. The AMF Scholars Programme aims to cover transport costs to and from campus (enabling students to remain at home) and pay for specialist equipment and items like laptops as required.