The Ibrahim Siraj Foundation

 The Ibrahim Siraj Foundation is a foundation named after a man who greatly valued education. Ibrahim Siraj was a teacher in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia who believed knowledge was man’s greatest tool. As an uncle, as a father and as a mentor, he passed on his love for books to me. He stressed the importance of reading and the importance of questioning. Education was his key to everything; educating ourselves, educating those around us and being open to learning what we do not know.

Ibrahim was a teacher for 30 years and he enjoyed every minute of his profession. Students would often come to his home to be tutored, of course, at no cost. He loved the open mind of the young and enjoyed being constantly challenged by their thoughts and opinions.  

On June 23, 2011 Ibrahim passed away peacefully at the age of 63. I went to Ethiopia in August 2011 to see his burial place and pray. I brought back with me suitcases full of amazing books which belonged to him. To his family, friends and community at large Ibrahim’s death was a great loss. 

He left behind such a great legacy and it seems appropriate to share it with my fellow Ethiopians. I am starting a scholarship fund in his name for Ethiopian high school graduates in the Greater Vancouver Area with plans to continue their education in a post-secondary institution. The scholarship is now $1000.00, but is expected to increase in the years to come and will be given out to one student every year.

Having lived in Vancouver for over 15 years, I have never heard of scholarships dedicated to Ethiopian students. It is definitely time to start one now.

The first scholarship will be given out in September 2012. Please visit this link in the coming months for information regarding applications.

Ikram M. Said

Monday, January 16, 2012. .