Olive Tree Foundation Awards Scholarships for 2021

The Olive Tree Foundation has awarded two outstanding high school students from the Toronto neighbourhood of Regent Park with scholarships for their academic achievements and leadership abilities.

Saariyah Abbas was awarded the Faisal Ali Scholarship Award and Samir Abdella was awarded the Mohamed and Opheera Nasir Scholarship Award.

Saariyah Abbas is a Jarvis Collegiate Institute student and Samir Abdella is a Harbord Collegiate Institute student.They will be attending Ryerson University in the Fall.

Both students are active volunteers in Regent Park.

“The COVID-18 pandemic has affected everyone whether it may be in terms of mental health, regular jobs, school and routines. I wanted to have an impact on the people in my community and help them cope in these tragic times,” says Saariyah Abbas. 

“Every week, I would go out and tell the youth in the community to come out to our COVID-19 safe event. This way they could get some exposure outside of their houses and have somewhere where they would not feel so confined. I would encourage, not only the youth, but families who lived in the neighborhood to come out and have fun with our workers that provide different services.”

“I also helped my mother in these tough times to navigate through her very busy schedule which she had to adapt to this new way of living,” adds Saariyah Abbas. “Anytime I would find any free time I would go drop off food for her catering services. This all took place with the Mothers of Peace Regent Park group that provides an amazing opportunity to have an impact on people's lives.”

Samir Abdella is a student leader who works with youth and is interested in improving his neighbourhood.

“I'm President of the Muslim Students Association in my school where I tried to create a safe space for students to verbalize their opinions and beliefs and learn about Islam. Every weekly meeting involves a new creative approach to educate club members, whether it be through visual presentations or interactive teachings,” says Samir Abdella.  

“I volunteer for the Muslim Welfare Centre where we serve meals to over 200 homeless seniors every Sunday. My job is to keep the workplace, kitchen, and tables clean and tidy for other staff.” 

“I’ve also been a coach for the last two years. My main goal is to steer kids in the right direction and demonstrate the importance of sport and the importance of school in their life. Community work will always be important to me, especially in my neighbourhood of Regent Park.”