What Made 2024 Memorable for the "Huma Quşu" Educational Support Fund?

As we bid farewell to another year, we can proudly count 2024 as a successful one for the "Huma Quşu" Educational Support Fund. This year was marked by numerous achievements and innovations in the Fund's activities.

At the start of the year, the "Small Grants Program - Fall Call (2023)" competition concluded for Azerbaijani citizens seeking undergraduate and graduate education in Azerbaijan and abroad. Following the evaluation of applications and interviews, five participants were declared winners, each receiving a grant of 2,500 AZN. Additionally, one participant was recognized in the special "Courage Grant" category, awarded 1,500 AZN.

In March, the play "Golden Seed Adventure" was performed at the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater. This event was part of a joint project between the Baku European Lyceum and the Fund, titled "Educational Support from Baku European Lyceum Students." The project aimed to support courageous young individuals who overcame life challenges and aspired to continue their education.

Around the Novruz holiday, the Fund celebrated another milestone. Sanan Mirzazade, a young talent with hearing and speech impairments, showcased exceptional skills in technology and was selected to represent Azerbaijan in NASA’s Robotics Competition in San Diego, USA. Due to financial difficulties, his dream seemed unattainable. However, with the support of a fundraising campaign and generous donors, Sanan successfully traveled to the U.S. and represented Azerbaijan with distinction.

Through the "Talented Students" Program, the Fund awarded scholarships of 9,600 AZN to Ranal Qurbanov, 10,000 AZN to Aziz Panah, and 5,000 AZN to Bibikhanum Samedova for her master's studies at ADA University. Veterans Arif Hajiyev and Elmir Dadashov were granted 1,550 AZN and 2,120 AZN, respectively, to support their education.

In May, the "Grant Competition: Spring Call" was announced for Azerbaijani citizens pursuing bachelor's, master's, and PhD studies in Azerbaijan and abroad.

Later, the Fund organized presentations at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics and the Azerbaijani Embassy in Hungary. These events highlighted the Fund's educational support, scholarship programs, and assistance for veterans and underprivileged students, along with discussions on accountability, donations, and future plans.

In July, winners of the "Spring Call" competition were announced, with six participants receiving grants of 2,500 AZN each. One winner, recognized for overcoming significant challenges with determination, also received an additional 1,500 AZN under the "Courage Grant" category.

Throughout the year, the Fund’s Board of Directors held several meetings, including monthly online discussions, to plan upcoming competitions, presentations, and other initiatives. On August 3, a general meeting of Fund members was held.

In September, another presentation took place at the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University. The event emphasized the Fund's support for veterans and students, communication principles with the public, and efforts to enhance educational opportunities for youth from low-income families.

Later in the year, the "From Dream to Reality" scholarship competition was launched, with three winners set to receive scholarships of 2,500 AZN each. The evaluation of applications is ongoing.

On December 7, the Fund hosted its most significant event of the year, the charity gala "Huma Quşu: Guide to Kindness and Courage," at the International Mugham Center. The event featured an overview of the Fund's two years of activities, programs for underprivileged youth, and a spectacular concert by People’s Artist Salman Gambarov and the "Bakustic Jazz" group. Special performances by Ilhama Gasimova and Rovshan Gahramanov left the audience inspired. The evening raised 8,500 AZN through ticket sales, artwork auctions, and donations.

Finally, just days ago, the Fund became a winner of Azercell's "Empowering Lives: Women's Support Program," securing a grant of 12,500 AZN. This amount will fund educational opportunities in STEM fields for girls from low-income families pursuing bachelor's, master's, and PhD studies in Azerbaijan and abroad. In early 2025, the Fund will announce the "Girl’s Advancement in STEM" competition, awarding scholarships of 2,500 AZN each to five winners.

In less than two years, the Fund has allocated 120,000 AZN for various charitable initiatives and supported the education of nearly 30 students and veterans. Total donations to the Fund have reached 57,650 AZN.

As we look to 2025, the "Huma Quşu" Educational Support Fund is committed to launching new projects, scholarship programs, and events. We extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone supporting our mission of enabling underprivileged youth to access education. Together, we will continue to work tirelessly for a brighter future for Azerbaijan!