The Women of Vision Scholarship is a scholarship that benefits outstanding women students at Dar al-Kalima University. As an institution of learning, Dar al-Kalima stands for gender justice, equality, and women’s empowerment. The Women of Vision Scholarship honors Nuha Khoury, Rana Khoury, Faten Nastas Mitwasi, and Maha Khamis Abughannam, the four founding women of DAK. Their creative leadership shaped the university into an invaluable resource and beacon of hope for the future of Palestine. The scholarship was created in 2020 and is administered through an endowment from Bright Stars of Bethlehem. It is awarded annually.
2022 Recipient: Jihad
Hailing from Hebron, Jihad is in her third year studying interior design at Dar al-Kalima University. Her high marks in high school earned her a scholarship to Palestine Polytechnic University, where she received a diploma in interior design in 2017 and continues to act as a teaching assistant. Jihad applied to Dar al-Kalima University in 2021 to pursue a BA in interior design after hearing about the university from other interior design students and researching it thoroughly online. Even though her commute is two hours each way, Jihad still wakes up excited in the morning knowing she will come to class at Dar al-Kalima University. The school is special to her because of its innovative teaching methods and the diversity of subjects offered. She especially appreciates the serene atmosphere and the creative students from other fields. She spends her spare time volunteering at the Palestine Red Crescent Society and keeping in touch with her three siblings, who have each earned university degrees.
2021 Recipient: Hayat
Hayat is the 2021 recipient of the Women of Vision Scholarship. Hayat’s name means “life,” which is an inspiration in a place marked by so much death. After completing a two-year degree in film, Hayat’s faculty were so impressed they were happy to welcome her to the bachelor’s degree program. She has a bright future using her talents to create film and media that will entertain and educate.
2020 Recipient: Carla
Carla is the inaugural recipient of the Women of Vision Scholarship. Carla grew up in Beit Jala, not far from Bethlehem. After her family’s home was hit multiple times by Israeli rockets and shells, her family had to move for their safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Carla’s father lost his business, and Carla’s ability to remain in school became uncertain. The scholarship enables her to continue her education, to make sure she has a future. She plans to open her own graphic design business.
