Free Play Future Leaders Scholarship

 

About the scholarship

Free Play for Kids awards yearly scholarships to youth who have developed through our programs and shown exceptional leadership with their peers, coaches and in the community.

The scholarship is worth $10,000 x 4 years to help cover the costs of attending a recognized post secondary program and is intended to help former Free Play youth continue their leadership journey.

The scholarship is open to any youth who has been involved in Free Play programs for at least two years consecutively and regularly. Applicants who have been in Free Play programs for longer, and are well known within the organization for their commitment, will have a better chance of a successful application.

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. In a Free Play program for at least 2 years

  2. Attended the Free Play program regularly during the 2 years.

  3. Enrollment in any post-secondary training program of up to four years in duration, including university, community college, trade school, and apprenticeships.

What you need to apply:

  1. One page letter explaining why you should be selected.

  2. Copy of high school grades/transcript.

  3. Reference letter from a Free Play staff member.

  4. Reference letter from a community member.

See the application form for more details

Previous Scholarship Recipients

2024 Future Leaders Award Presented To:

Hamid Atimadi

Hamid, along with members of his family, were amongst a group of refugees who fled Afghanistan in August 2021 after the Taliban overtook Kabul. Prior to landing in Canada, they spent five months living without documentation in Pakistan. Hamid and many others from that particular group of Afghan refugees were supported upon their arrival in Edmonton by Free Play’s Welcome to Play Program. Shortly after, Hamid was hired as a Welcome to Play Program Coordinator. Hamid's support for our program has been extraordinary. He has shown a deep commitment to our mission, often going above and beyond to ensure the success of our initiatives. One of Hamid's standout qualities is his ability to facilitate communication with our participants through translation. This skill has been crucial in helping us connect with and support newcomers and refugees, many of whom face language barriers. Once a participant himself, his unique perspective fuels his passion and dedication to the program, and it is evident in the empathetic and effective manner in which he engages with the children and families we serve. 

During this time with Free Play, Hamid has also worked hard to upgrade his academic credentials at high school, including taking English 30-1 and Social Studies 30-1; he now aspires to go to MacEwan University to complete a University degree. The scholarship offered by Free Play would not only alleviate financial burdens but also provide Hamid with the opportunity to continue his education while remaining actively involved in the Free Play community. Currently, Hamid still works with Welcome to Play participants while also supporting Lynwood School as a Youth and Sport Team Leader. Overall, Hamid Atimadi is a remarkable individual who embodies the qualities that the Free Play for Kids' Future Leaders Scholarship seeks to recognize and support. His dedication, personal investment in our program, and outstanding academic achievements make him a deserving candidate.

Taiba Atimadi

Like Hamid, Taiba was amongst a group of refugees who fled Afghanistan in August 2021 after the Taliban overtook Kabul. Before landing in Canada, they spent five months living without documentation in Pakistan. Once in Edmonton, Taiba was supported by Free Play’s Welcome to Play Program. Taiba was incredibly helpful and committed to her duties, always ensuring that her responsibilities were handled with the utmost care. Her ability to maintain a positive and motivating environment for the kids was truly remarkable. She has also shown a strong commitment to supporting the Welcome to Play program, which helps refugees and newcomers integrate into the community. One of Taiba’s most significant strengths is her bilingualism, which has made her an invaluable asset to our program. Her ability to interact and communicate effectively with the youth, especially those from diverse backgrounds, has greatly enhanced the program's effectiveness. Taiba's contributions have been instrumental in planning and implementing various initiatives within the program, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Despite her busy work schedule, Taiba has also been pursuing post-secondary upgrading classes. Her remarkable ability to balance her educational pursuits with her professional responsibilities speaks volumes about her exceptional time management skills and dedication. Pursuing further education through this scholarship aligns perfectly with Taiba's career goals and aspirations. Currently, Taiba is a Youth and Sport Team Leader at Free Play and will be pursuing a University Degree at MacEwan University.

2023 Future Leaders Award Presented To:

Nasrin Hashemi

This is Nasrin Hashemi originally from Afghanistan now living in Edmonton Canada. I had worked with the victims of war as psycho-social therapist for two years until August 15, 2021 (the date when Kabul captured by Taliban). I had no choice unless leave everything behind and go beyond unknowns. So, on August 22, 2021I found myself between Afghanistan and Pakistan border’s hopeless. That was rough moments for me as only educated and responsible for a big family and no home to go. My family and I waited for our case processes for our new home called Canada. The visa processes in Pakistan took up to five months, at the meanwhile we tried to stay positive specially for the children and seniors were with us and every day we had played soccer and had done hand craft with seniors. After a longsome the moment came and my family and I with more than 30 families flight together to Canada our new home thinking of bright future. We received in Edmonton, and we were welcomed by Free Play for Kids when our children need it the most to play and be free after a long way and being hide for their security. Free Play had taken children from hotel every morning and brought them back in the evening with a big smile on their face. After we had settled Free Play offer me job to be multi-sport coach in school and work in the Welcome to Play program with newcomer which was a wonderful experience to be with children all positive energy and beautiful perspective through life. It helped me to find myself in the new country and hope to endeavour to continue my education and it get even more possible when Free Play for Kids offer me a four-year scholarship which was a fantastic experience in my life ever. Now I am going to begin my study again after four years of pause in September 2024 in Bachelor of Art in MacEwan University. I am full of hope and joy. I am not able to find the exact word to show how much I am appreciating of Free Play for this opportunity and how contributory was this scholarship for me as a newcomer which has to begin everything that some might had all from below zero.