Scholarships to 28 Students Awarded by The Hariri Foundation and Rafik Hariri University
In Continuation of the Late President’s Legacy and as Part of a Joint Memorandum of Understanding
In alignment with the vision of the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri to promote social and educational justice through access to quality education, the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development and Rafik Hariri University (RHU) have awarded scholarships to 28 students. These scholarships aim to provide opportunities for students facing financial challenges in pursuing higher education.
The initiative is part of a memorandum of understanding signed between the Hariri Foundation and RHU to collaborate in academic fields. In this context, the university hosted an event at its Meshref campus, bringing together the scholarship recipients for the 2024-2025 academic year. These students have successfully completed their first semester in various disciplines.
Event Attendees
The event was attended by representatives from both the Hariri Foundation and Rafik Hariri University. From the Hariri Foundation, Chairperson Mrs. Bahia Hariri and Executive Director Dr. Rubina Abu Zainab were present. Representing Rafik Hariri University were President Dr. Saeed Ladki, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mahmoud Halablab, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Mr. Ibrahim Akkawi, and Vice President for Development and Information Technology Mr. Hisham Qabrusli. Additionally, the event featured a special guest, Dr. Jamal Haidar, an alumnus of the Hariri Foundation and a faculty member at the Lebanese American University (LAU).
Welcoming Remarks
The event commenced with a welcoming speech by Ms. Sahar Hallak, who highlighted that these scholarships result from a strategic partnership between the Hariri Foundation AND RHU. She emphasized that this initiative reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to empowering students and providing them with opportunities to excel, in line with the late Rafik Hariri’s vision that “education is the key that unlocks opportunities for every individual.”
RHU President’s Address
Dr. Saeed Ladki welcomed Mrs. Bahia Hariri and expressed his personal and institutional pride in collaborating with the Hariri Foundation. Addressing the students, he urged them to invest in themselves, saying:
“Put in extra effort and energy, and you will reach your goals. Opportunities come once in a lifetime—you either seize them and make the most of them, or you let them pass by. Be the winners you aspire to be, the individuals your families and all of us hope you will become. We are confident that you will distinguish yourselves with outstanding performance.”
Bahia Hariri’s Speech
In her speech, Mrs. Bahia Hariri expressed her joy at meeting the new generation of students, stating:
“These are some of my happiest moments—meeting young students. This has always been Rafik Hariri’s message: that every Lebanese student has the right to study at the best universities, to advance in life, and to reach the highest positions, whether in Lebanon or abroad. We are committed to continuing this mission, a mission deeply rooted in the educational institutions he invested in.”
Addressing the students directly, she emphasized:
“With this opportunity before you, all that is required of you is to study and excel. Education is what will open the doors to achieving your aspirations. I wish you success and progress in the next phase, and we will always be here to support you.”
She concluded by thanking RHU President Dr. Saeed Ladki and the university’s academic and administrative teams, expressing her pride in this strong partnership with the university.
A Story of Success – Dr. Jamal Haidar
As part of the event, Dr. Jamal Haidar, an Hariri Foundation alumnus and a native of Saida, shared his inspiring success story with the students. He spoke about key moments in his personal and professional journey, explaining how the Hariri Foundation scholarships opened doors for him in education and career advancement, both in Lebanon and abroad.
Scholarship Certificates Distribution
At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Ladki, alongside Mrs. Bahia Hariri and Dr. Haidar, presented the students with official letters from the RHU President, congratulating them on their achievements and encouraging them to continue their academic journey with determination and excellence.
