Fatma and Abdallah Janmohamed Memorial Bursary
The Fatma and Abdallah Janmohamed Memorial Bursary has been established in honour of our beloved grandparents, Fatma and Abdallah (also spelt, Abdullah) Janmohamed, whose courage, faith, and unwavering determination created opportunities that have enriched the lives of generations of their family.
In the years following the First World War, while still in their youth, Fatma and Abdallah Janmohamed, a young married couple, embarked on an extraordinary voyage across the Indian Ocean from India to the then British Colony of Tanganyika, now Tanzania. They journeyed to an unfamiliar land with little knowledge of the challenges that awaited them. Guided by the principles of their Ismaili Muslim faith and inspired by the vision of their spiritual leader, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III, who encouraged members of the Ismaili community to establish themselves in East Africa, they embraced an uncertain future with remarkable courage, hope, and determination.
Life in their adopted homeland was marked by hardship, sacrifice, and perseverance. Through unwavering resilience, tireless work, and steadfast commitment to their family, faith, and community, they overcame countless obstacles while laying the foundation for future generations. They believed that the sacrifices they made would create opportunities for their children and descendants to build brighter futures.
Their vision and perseverance transformed the lives of their six children—Fidahussein, Khatun, Sherali, Zainab, Amina, and Zarina—and established a legacy that continues to this day. Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have pursued diverse paths as professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and dedicated citizens. Their achievements stand as a lasting testament to the courage of two young pioneers who took a leap of faith and left everything familiar behind in pursuit of a better life for their family.
This memorial bursary has been established by their grandchildren, Salimah Janmohamed and Alishah Tasleem Janmohamed, daughters of their eldest son, Fidahussein Abdallah Janmohamed, on behalf of themselves and their brothers, Munir Janmohamed, Rahim Janmohamed, and Hanif Janmohamed. Through this bursary, they honour their grandparents' enduring legacy and celebrate the profound truth that the courage and sacrifices of one generation can inspire and empower many generations to come.
The Fatma and Abdallah Janmohamed Memorial Bursary will be awarded annually to eligible full-time Mount Royal University students enrolled in the second, third, or fourth year of the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts – Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Communication, Bachelor of Computer Information Systems, Bachelor of Nursing, or Bachelor of Science programs. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need and exemplify the qualities that defined Fatma and Abdallah Janmohamed's lives: courage, perseverance, integrity, compassion, and a commitment to education, personal growth, and service to others.
It is our sincere hope that this bursary will inspire each recipient to pursue their aspirations with the same faith, resilience, generosity of spirit, and determination that guided our grandparents throughout their lives. May their example continue to inspire future generations to create opportunities not only for themselves but also for their families, their communities, and those who follow.