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First Avesta Housing Educational Scholarships Awarded

Dina Malual’s mother and nieces joined her to accept the Avesta Educational Scholarship.

Earlier this year, Dina Malual and her friends started Sudo, a youth group that represents the South Sudanese female voice in Maine. As Dina explains, “We wanted to create a movement which both challenged us intellectually and enabled us to explore our heritage. In the U.S., we are all unified by our South Sudanese heritage. However, in South Sudan, we are often torn apart by tribalism. Sudo uses art as a tool to bring all tribes together as one. Being in the U.S. allows me to break the expectation and inspire young South Sudanese girls, in the U.S. and South Sudan, to seek an education. As for the political state of South Sudan, the conflict is deadly. The largest tribe, of which I am a member of, is in constant war with the second largest tribe. Creating Sudo has increased my desire to go back and change the norms in South Sudan.”

Avesta Housing Resident Service Coordinator Nick Kjeldgaard and Avesta Housing President & CEO Dana Totman present Dina Malual with a $1,000 scholarship.

Dina’s maturity, leadership, and global awareness earned her one of Avesta Housing’s first educational scholarship awards. Avesta awarded Dina $1,000 toward her tuition at Emmanuel College, where she is currently a freshman. Dina says that being an Avesta resident has helped her greatly and that “the diversity in my complex is amazing”¦ I’ve learned the true definition of a community. I’m able to truly understand the value of being a part of something bigger than me. Whether I’m asking my neighbors for milk, or simply saying ‘hi,’ the Avesta community is welcoming. The welcoming feeling has allowed me to help out in my community. My location has allowed me to walk to the basketball court, take my nieces to the park right across the street from my house, and always be in the heart of the city. Having the privilege of living by convenient stores, a playground, and my work, I’ve been truly blessed to walk everywhere and explore what Portland has to offer. Not only has the Avesta community been quick to react to every problem my family has ever had, but they’ve been passionate.”

Pamela Mukiza is a senior at Babson College, where she studies business management with a double concentration in accounting and real estate. She says that living in an Avesta community has broadened her global perspective: “On my street, I am surrounded by so many diverse people from all walks of life. I have been able to talk with and listen to people from all over the world, which has shaped my outlook on life and future plans. It has also helped me to think beyond the United States, and has aspired me to work globally.” Pamela wants to work abroad in emerging markets, and is interested in returning to Africa to help develop DR Congo’s economy.

Pamela Mukiza accepts her educational scholarship.

Pamela was selected for the Avesta Housing Educational Scholarship because of her commitment to her communities, both local and international, and family. When asked how she might affect change in her community, Pamela said, “If I could do anything to change my community in a positive way, I would share my business knowledge that I have accumulated at Babson College and help my neighbors, who are mostly immigrants and refugees, in teaching them some basic financial literacy skills. I would also mentor the kids in my community about the college process, and help them access and obtain the numerous resources out there available to people who aspire to higher education.”

Dina and Pamela were the first recipients of the Avesta Housing Educational Scholarship, and they have set the bar high for future applicants. These bright young women have their eyes focused on building healthy futures for themselves and the communities in which they live.