Medicine Hat accepting proposals for Family and Community Support Services grant

“Without the funds obviously Ayman wouldn’t have been able to start up something like this for us,” she said.

“We’ve done a lot of events with MSA including going to other schools and bringing awareness about what other Muslim kids are facing, and we’ve also gone on field trips to support community bonds,” she added.

“We did a fundraiser previously for humanitarian aid, and the many activities we’ve been able to do, we wouldn’t be able to do it without Ayman and obviously the funds.”

Faisal said the association has also given space to communicate to people who relate with students involved.

Raameen Faisal. Ross Lavigne/CHAT News

Applicants for the FCSS must be not-for-profit and must meet the city’s criteria, or strategic priorities.

This involves innovation, economic evolution, service orientation, partnership, sustainability, and overall community wellness.

Program proposals can address housing insecurity, mental health, employment, family violence, and aging well in the community.

Applicants for the grant must be not-for-profit and must meet the city’s criteria, or strategic priorities.

This involves innovation, economic evolution, service orientation, partnership, sustainability, and overall community wellness.

The Cultural Liaison Worker program at MHHS helps newcomers adapt to the culture with translation services.

Ahmad Al Mustafa, another student at MHHS, has been in Medicine Hat for two years.

He said Ayman is the key of communication between a student and a parent whose first language isn’t English.

Abdelaziz Al Mustafa, Ahmad’s father, said that most of the community of newcomers within the highschool have found Ayman to be the key between parents and students.

Abdelaziz and Ahmad Al Mustafa. Ross Lavigne/CHAT News

“When the student has some problems, he admittedly fix(es) that, and then tell(s) the parents how he fix(es) it,” he said.

“For the next problem, (he tells) how we can find some solution(s) for that.”

Over $400,000 is available annually for 2026 and 2027, and the application closes on April 3.

Two online information sessions will be held for those interested in learning more and applying for the grant on March 11 and March 19.

by Jayk Sterkenburg

Medicine Hat accepting proposals for Family and Community Support Services grant

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