Past Events

On January 18, 2019

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 14th Annual Scholarship Awards & Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Tides Estate in North Haledon, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the master of ceremony Mr. Marj Samkough. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Kahtan Barsbay. Mr. Bassam Kaghado president of the Circassian Benevolent Association spoke about how the CBA and CEF work great together and for the same cause. This year we had stunning folklore singing by a wonderful vocalist Mr. Astemir Apanasov, Circassian music performance by the Amazing accordionist Murat Psiblane, and Exciting performance by the Nalmes Dance Ensemble of Adyghey- Dance of Highlander! Baturay Shaguzh – Honorable artist Republic of Adeghey performed a Dance with daggers and the Nalmes Dance Ensemble of Adyghey performed a Drums routine. Majda Hilmi top university scholarship award was Presented to Dunay Bach. The raffle was organized by the Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. The MC of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Marj Samkough led the board of directors in presenting the awards to the students. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On November 22, 2017

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 13th Annual Scholarship Awards & Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Tides Estate in North Haledon, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the master of ceremony Mr. Daniel Hajo. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Kahtan Barsbay and Circassian Benevolent Association’s President Reslan Youghar. A previous CEF Scholarship award recipient Mr. Adam Tamzoke was added to the board of directors. Chairman John Currie and Sheriff Richard Berdnik gave a speech on supporting education is on everyone’s mind and heart. Our inspirational Keynote Speaker was Dr. Lama Al-Aswad Associate professor of Ophthalmology Columbia University. The best essay presentation was presented to Mr. Issraa Yaljrouka winner of the platinum scholarship award. This year we had stunning folklore singing by a wonderful vocalist Ms. Darina Meshlok and unique talent of singing Ms. Nafest Chenib, Circassian music performance by the Amazing accordionist Alsan Tlebzu, and Exciting Circassian singing by the brilliant musician Mr. Cherim Nakhush! This year’s entertainment also included an exceptional Oud making and performance by Mr. Munir Elias. The raffle was organized by the Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. This year’s Special Appreciation Award was presented to Mr. Farouk Kozrosh. The MC of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Daniel Hajo led the board of directors in presenting the awards to the students. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On July 22, 2017

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 13th Annual Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the mistress of ceremony Ms. Sally Shobut. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr Kahtan Barsbay and the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Reslan Youghar. Our 2017 Outstanding career achievement award Presented to Dr. Bassel Stassis. This year we had special musical performance by Ms. Darina Meshlok. The CEF presented its first Special Appreciation Award to Imam Talaat Taher for being our Imam at the CBA mosque since 1991. Dr Sean Ziwar Hajo discussed our association with Amazon Smile which donates to the CEF based on users’ online purchases. Amazon Smile can be easily configured in three simple steps. Mr. Elbrus Basmouk, CEF Auditor, updated us on what’s new with the scholarship program. Suha Kurmanov led a session of fundraising through an auction and the raffle was organized by the Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh provided a speech on where higher education is heading in America. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On November 23, 2016

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 12th Annual Scholarship Awards & Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Westmount Country Club in West Paterson, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the master of ceremony Mr. Deniz Kortan. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh. Our inspirational Keynote Speaker was Mrs. Samah Shouka Sr. Deputy District Attorney. This year we had stunning folklore music by Timur Kitov and the magic of Violin Mr. Jihad Akl. The best essay presentation was presented to Mr. Murad Elias winner of the platinum scholarship award. This year’s auction was led by Mr. Farouk Kozrosh. The raffle was organized by the Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. The MC of the Circassian Education Foundation, Deniz Kortan led the board of directors in presenting the awards to the students. The CEF honored the first female Circassian pilot Ms. Hadeel Khumush. The Top University Scholarship was presented to Ms. Dunay Bach enrolled at Barnard College of Columbia University, New York. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On June 26, 2016

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 12th Annual Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the President of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation and the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association. Admission was free Ticket price (value $40) was waived by the CEF Board of Directors in observance of the holy month of Ramadan. Mr. Farouk Kozrosh provided an update of the last 11 years of activities. Speeches regarding all efforts by the foundation were presented such as top Universities, an update on the education endowment project, the process of our scholarship program and important dates for our upcoming 2016 scholarship program. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On November 25, 2015

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 11th Annual Scholarship Awards & Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Tides Estates in North Haledon, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the mistress of ceremony Ms. Marina Kaghado. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh. Our inspirational Keynote Speaker was Mr. Leo McGuire former Sheriff of Bergan County. This year we had the magic of violin by Mr. Enrique Rodrigues, Circassian music performance by the Amazing Astemir Apanasov, Janeta Meremova and Aslan Gotov! The best essay presentation was presented to Salam Arif winner of the platinum scholarship award. This year’s auction was led by Mr. Iyad Shueb. The raffle was organized by the Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. The MC of the Circassian Education Foundation Ms. Marina Kaghado led the board of directors in presenting the awards to the students. The two amazing musicians (Janeta Meremova and Aslan Gotov) collaborated in performing Songs from around the world which was greatly appreciated by all. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On November 27, 2014

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 10th Annual Scholarship Awards & Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Westmount Country Club in West Paterson, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the master of ceremony Mr. Jonty Yamisha. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh. Our inspirational Keynote Speaker was NFL Super Bowl Champion Antrel Rolle. This year we had stunning folklore singing by a wonderful vocalist Ms. Am/Na Zhaman and Mr. Astemir Apanasov, Circassian music performance by the Amazing accordionist Alsan Tlebzu, and Exciting performance by the brilliant Egyptian musician Mr. Magdi El-Husseini! This year’s auction was led by Mr. Farouk Kozrosh. The raffle was organized by the Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. The Treasurer of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr. Majagah led the board of directors in presenting the awards to the students. The three amazing musicians (Astemir Apanasov, Aslan Tlebzu, Magdi El-Husseini) collaborated in performing first time ever together which was greatly appreciated by all. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On June 7, 2014

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 10th Annual Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the mistress of ceremony Ms. Iman Osman. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr Farouk Kozrosh and the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Sam Mirza. Our 2014 Outstanding career achievement award Presented to Dr. Rima Taher. Keynote speech 25-year career in law enforcement Deputy Warden Elbrus Basmouk. This year we had special musical performance by Mr. Morris Chedid and Special Entertainment by Adam Soukar. The Auditor, Dr Adam Awari discussed our Super Scholarship for students who are accepted in top Universities. Dr Sean Ziwar Hajo provided an update on the education endowment project. Suha Kurmanov led a session of fundraising through an auction and the raffle was organized by the Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. Mr. Amer Bazoqa directed an entertaining Circassian Dance Competition and amazing violin performance by Enrique Rodrigues. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On November 27, 2013

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 9th Annual Scholarship Awards & Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Westmount Country Club in West Paterson, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the mistress of ceremony Ms. Natasha Sholakh. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr Sean Ziwar Hajo and the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Sam Mirza. Our inspirational Keynote Speaker was Captain Aysha Al-Hamili. This year we had stunning folklore singing by a wonderful vocalist Amira Kataw, Circassian music performance by the great career musician Saeed Bazoqa, amazing accordion music by the famous Circassian talent Alsan Lebzo and finally a comedy show by the couch! The Vice President of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh led a session of fundraising through an auction and the raffle was organized by the Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. The Treasurer of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Kahtan Barsbay led the board of directors in presenting the awards to the students. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On June 22, 2013

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 9th Annual Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the mistress of ceremony Ms. Nancy Elias. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr Sean Ziwar Hajo and the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Sam Mirza. Our inspirational Keynote Speaker was Ms. Bernice Toledo, Passaic County Surrogate Judge. Our Outstanding career achievement award was presented to Mr. Teejan Wojokh. This year we had special musical performance by Mr. Morris Chedid and Special Entertainment included Henry Carlyle the Metnalist. The Vice President of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh led a session of fundraising through an auction and the raffle was organized by the Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On November 25, 2012

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 8th Annual Scholarship Awards & Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Westmount Country Club in West Paterson, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the mistress of ceremony Ms. Raya Kataw. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr Sean Ziwar Hajo and the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Nihad Younis. Our inspirational Keynote Speaker was Senator Nellie Pou. This year we had incredible multi-cultural talent Mr Bassam Saba providing the magic of instruments. The Treasurer of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Kahtan Barsbay led a session of fundraising through an auction and the raffle was organized by Mrs. Sawsan Osman and Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. The Treasurer of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Kahtan Barsbay led the board of directors in presenting the awards to the students. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On Auguest 2, 2012

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 8th Annual Fundraising Dinner & Special Ramadan Iftar. The event was held at the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the mistress of ceremony Ms. Maryan Al Houssein. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr Sean Ziwar Hajo and the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Nihad Younis. Our inspirational Keynote Speaker was Dr. Steven Rose President of Passaic County Community College. Our Outstanding career achievement award was presented to Mr. Marwan Sholakh. This year we had special musical performance by Mr. Samer Tunbakji. The previous Program Development Committee was honored for their great contributions in providing successful fundraising and award dinners. The Vice President of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh led a session of fundraising through an auction and the raffle was organized by the Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On November 23, 2011

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 7th Annual Scholarship Awards & Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Westmount Country Club in West Paterson, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the master of ceremony Mr. Ayad Shuaib. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr Sean Ziwar Hajo and the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Nihad Younis. Our inspirational Keynote Speaker was Dr Ezzedin Kam Elmaz. This year we had incredible entertainment by Baturai Shakoj and from the Caucasus. The Vice President of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh led a session of fundraising through an auction and the raffle was organized by the Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. The Treasurer of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Kahtan Barsbay led the board of directors in presenting the awards to the students. A group of our friends realized recently that we now in the USA have a good number of Circassian doctors, who are spread all over the country. It would be great and beneficial to have us all connected to discuss issues of mutual interest, and benefit from the life experiences of each other. It was great to have the first Circassian Doctors Network come join us during this awards dinner. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On May 22, 2011

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 7th Annual Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the master of ceremony Mr. Ghudar Bashmaf. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr Sean Ziwar Hajo and the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Nihad Younis. Our inspirational Keynote Speaker was Dr. Kathleen Waldron President of William Paterson University. Our Outstanding career achievement award was presented to Dr. Munir Shoga. This year we had special Oud musical performance by Mr. Morris Chedid. We had two important additions this year the first was CEF from the parents’ perspective by Mrs. Madiha Kataw and CEF from Scholars’ perspective by Ms. Maryan Al Hussein. The Vice President of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh led a session of fundraising through an auction and the raffle was organized by the Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers and the Narts Dance Ensemble. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On November 24, 2010

The Circassian Education Foundation held its 6th Annual Scholarship Awards & Fundraising Dinner. The event was held at the Westmount Country Club in West Paterson, New Jersey. The dinner was opened by the master of ceremony Mr. Jonty Yamisha. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr Sean Ziwar Hajo, the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Marwan Sholakh and the CEF from a parents’ perspective presented by Mr. Azzam and Mrs. Huda Esmat. Our inspirational Keynote Speaker was Dr. Bashar Jaafari (Republic Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations). This year we had two special entertainment acts – Olga Sokur, the most famous Circassian singer from Nalchik with impressive talent and many national and international performances in Circassian, Russian, English and Arabic and Ismail Baturay, a brilliant Circassian dancer from the Nalmas Dance Group of Maikup with great talent in dagger-dancing. The Vice President of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh led a session of fundraising through an auction and the raffle was organized by Mrs. Syrin Mamkegh, Mrs. Linda Arslanouk and Program Development Committee. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers. The Treasurer of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Kahtan Barsbay led the board of directors in presenting the awards to the students. The night came to an end with Amer Bazoqa organizing the enjoyable Dance Competition. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group.

On June 19, 2010

On May 30, 2009

The Circassian Education Foundation held its annual fundraising dinner. The meeting was held at the center of the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. After speeches of welcome and endorsement by the vice-president of the Circassian Benevolent Association, the members of the board of directors of the Foundation gave a slide presentation. We heard an inspirational speaker Ms. Shabazz, daughter of the late Malcome X. The Outstanding Career Achievement Award was presented to Mrs. Havva Idriss, Vice Dean Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha Qatar. Special Appreciation Awards, Mr. Howard Printz, Dr. Aksam Yassin and Mrs. Helga Yassin. We held our first Circassian Dance Competition and plan to have many more. Many people expressed strong support for the Foundation and made charitable donations. On Saturday May 27, 2007, a fundraising dinner was held on at the Nalmas Hall of the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. The dinner was well attended by a large number of individuals interested in supporting youth education. The dinner was opened by the mistress of ceremony Ms. Lara Zakaria. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Foundation Dr Ridwan Shabsigh, and the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Marwan Sholakh. The keynote speaker was Dr. Sonia Gof. She was recognized as the first Circassian to ever go an American medical school in the USA. She gave an eloquent speech emphasizing education of the youth and the involvement of the community. A very special entertainment was international music on violin and oud performed by Dr. Simon Shaheen. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers. The treasurer of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh led a session of fundraising through an auction and a raffle. The dinner participants were very generous in their donations. The Circassian Education Foundation presented a special plaque to Mr. Amer Bazoka in recognition of his volunteer work and contributions to Circassian music and culture. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to Program Development Committee and all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group. Special thanks go to the Circassian Benevolent Association for making the Nalmas hall available for the dinner. See photos from the scholarship awards & fundraising dinner of May 27, 2007.

On Sunday November 19, 2006

A scholarship awards & fundraising dinner was held on at the Nalmas Hall of the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. A total of 38 students were awarded a scholarship. Thirty-two students received the Higher Education Scholarship Award. In addition, 3 students received an Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Award in recognition of their high grades; and another 3 students received an Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Award in recognition of their excellent essays. The sum of all awards was $ 41,500. The group of students were pursuing higher education in 9 different colleges and universities including William Paterson University, Bergen Community College, Fairleigh Dickenson University, Montclair State University, Passaic County Community College, at each of Caldwell College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University and Springfield College and Seton Hall University. They were pursuing higher education in a wide range of career paths including pre-medical, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental, pre-law, criminal justice, political science, biology and information technology. The dinner was well attended by families, relatives and friends of the students as well as other individuals interested in supporting youth education. The dinner was opened by the mistress of ceremony Ms. Rasha Altidoka. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Foundation Dr Ridwan Shabsigh, and the vice president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Khaldoun Hilmi. The dinner was dedicated to the memory of Mr. Muhammad Kardan the late president of the Circassian Benevolent Association. Also, mentioned at the dinner were the late Mr. Nawzat Coubati and sergeant Daniel Ishak. Mr. Janette Shurdom gave a special presentation on opportunities at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Entertainment included a comedy/magic show by Mr. Charles Del Rosso. A Circassian singing performance was presented by Ms. Jana Meremova with the musician Mr. Zalem Erugov. Enjoyable Circassian music was provided by Mr. Amer Bazoka. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner. Special thanks go to the Circassian Benevolent Association for making the Nalmas hall available for the dinner free of charge. See photos from the scholarship awards & fundraising dinner of November 19, 2006.

On Saturday May 13, 2006

A fundraising dinner was held on at the Nalmas Hall of the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. The dinner was well attended by a large number of individuals interested in supporting youth education. The dinner was opened by the master of ceremony Mr. Jonty Yamisha. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Foundation Dr Ridwan Shabsigh, the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Muhammad Kardan, the vice president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Khaldoun Hilmi and Imam Talaat Taher. The special honor guest was the honorable Passaic County Sheriff Jerry Speziale. He gave an eloquent speech emphasizing education of the youth and the involvement of the community. The keynote speaker was professor Dr. Aksam Yassin the vice dean of the Gulf Medical College, UAE. His wonderful speech underlined the value of education to every individual and his or her life. Then the vice president of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr. Sean Ziwar Hajo presented an overview of the scholarship program. The secretary of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Koushby Majagah presented an update on the internet-based Circassian language dictionary. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young dancers. The treasurer of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh led a session of fundraising through an auction and a raffle. The dinner participants were very generous in their donations. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner, especially to the volunteer women group. Special thanks go to the Circassian Benevolent Association for making the Nalmas hall available for the dinner. See photos from the scholarship awards & fundraising dinner of May 13, 2006.

On November 12, 2005

A scholarship awards & fundraising dinner was held on at the Nalmas Hall of the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. A total of 17 students were awarded a scholarship. Fifteen students received the Higher Education Scholarship Award. In addition, 2 students received the Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Award in recognition of their high grades. The group of students were pursuing higher education in 9 different colleges and universities including 4 students at William Paterson University, 3 at Bergen Community College, 2 at Fairleigh Dickenson University, 2 at Montclair State University, 2 at Passaic County Community College and 1 student at each of Caldwell College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University and New York University. The class level included 8 freshmen, 4 sophomores, 2 juniors and 3 seniors. They were pursuing higher education in a wide range of career paths including pre-medical, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental, pre-law, criminal justice, political science, biology and information technology. The dinner was well attended by families, relatives and friends of the students as well as other individuals interested in supporting youth education. The dinner was opened by the master of ceremony Mr. Jonty Yamisha. Welcome speeches included the president of the Circassian Foundation Dr Ridwan Shabsigh, the president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Muhammad Kardan, the vice president of the Circassian Benevolent Association Mr. Khaldoun Hilmi and Imam Talaat Taher. This was followed by a speech by the honor guest the president of William Paterson University Dr. Arnol Speert. He energized the whole evening with his presentation on the changes in higher education in the 21st century. Subsequently, Dr. Speert was joined by a group of alumni of William Paterson University for a group photo. Then the vice president of the Circassian Education Foundation Dr. Sean Ziwar Hajo presented an overview of the scholarship program. The auditor of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Kahtan Barsbay led the board of directors in presenting the awards to the students. The secretary of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Koushby Majagah presented an update on the internet-based Circassian language dictionary. The dinner participants enjoyed a special Circassian folklore music and dance performance by a group of young men and women. The treasurer of the Circassian Education Foundation Mr. Farouk Kozrosh led a session of fundraising through an auction and a raffle. The dinner participants were very generous in their donations. Mrs. Lena Cekir gave a presentation on the road to higher education. The Circassian Education Foundation extends its wholehearted appreciation to all those who worked hard in organizing the dinner. Special thanks go to the Circassian Benevolent Association for making the Nalmas hall available for the dinner free of charge. See photos from the scholarship awards & fundraising dinner of November 12, 2005.

On July 22, 2005

The Circassian Education Foundation held its first public meeting to introduce the Foundation and its programs. The meeting was held at the center of the Circassian Benevolent Association in Wayne, New Jersey. After speeches of welcome and endorsement by the president, vice-president and Imam of the Circassian Benevolent Association, the members of the board of directors of the Foundation gave a slide presentation. Explaining the need for the Foundation, they stated that this was a special focus charitable organization with a mission in promoting higher education, especially for the young generation. Furthermore, the Foundation offers a stable administration and ability to perform long term complex projects. The first 2 projects are a scholarship program for college students and a multilingual internet Circassian dictionary. They assured that the Foundation was not in competition with the Circassian Benevolent Association. Collaboration between the 2 organizations was complete and effective. In addition to the members of the board of directors of the Foundation, 2 young rising stars in the community gave presentations. Mr. Jonty Yamisha explained the rising costs of college education and the need for supporting young students. Ms. Eman Varoqua pointed to the future and the young generation inspiring students and parents. The meeting was well attended by a large number of young students, their families as well as individuals interested in supporting education. Questions about the Foundation and its programs were answered and discussed. Many people expressed strong support for the Foundation and made charitable donations.