Academy for Educational Development

Young Muslims Participate in "Partnerships for Learning"

When Safae El Yaaqoubi arrived in the United States last year from Morocco, she never imagined Americans would be so curious about her country and its culture and customs. “I’ve been asked many questions about Islam and me as a woman,” says the 24-year-old political science major at Oregon State University.

Wearing a red, brocaded traditional silk dress, which has been the topic of several conversations, she mentions proudly how her roommate would watch her pray and ask what her prayers were about.

“The thing that surprised me the most was that I was not condemned for being a Muslim,” she adds.

El Yaaqoubi is one of 71 students participating in a new two-year scholarship program that brings young people from North Africa and the Middle East to the United States to complete an undergraduate degree.Through home-stays and cultural enrichment opportunities that introduce students to American culture, society, and values, the Partnerships for Learning Undergraduate Studies (PLUS) program seeks to build a greater understanding between the Muslim world and Americans.

“I’ve learned how to appreciate other people’s styles of life and to take things from many cultures, which helps me to be a richer person,” El Yaaqoubi says.

Managed by AED with funding from the U.S.Department of State, the PLUS program reaches out to youth from underserved regions and social groups who exhibit leadership potential.

“It’s our hope that these young, emerging leaders will return to their countries and help contribute to the development of their own societies with a true understanding of what the U.S. is all about,” said the program’s director, Sandra MacDonald.

For more information, please contact Sandra MacDonald or visit www.plus-aed.org.