Centre Victoria pour femmes presents the #JeMérite 2026 Scholarship Recipient

The winner of the 2026 #JeMérite scholarship is Meriem Zalmad.

Meriem stands out through an exceptional journey marked by remarkable resilience, unwavering determination, and a deep commitment to her family, her education, and her community. Coming from a family where her parents never had access to education, she grew up with the belief that school represents a pathway toward a better future. This belief guided her throughout a challenging immigration journey, particularly when the sudden closure of Moroccan borders during the pandemic delayed her arrival in Canada and placed her family in a period of uncertainty, stress, and financial hardship.

Shortly after settling in Canada, she faced another significant challenge: her eldest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. With courage and determination, she quickly took on the responsibility of managing a demanding chronic illness while supporting a child who was adjusting to a new environment and experiencing vulnerability. This experience became a driving force behind her decision to pursue studies in social work, inspired by the support and guidance she received from a social worker.

Today, Meriem faces considerable daily challenges as she raises three children with special needs — one son living with type 1 diabetes, another experiencing significant emotional regulation difficulties, and a non-verbal daughter with autism spectrum disorder who requires costly specialized services. Despite limited financial resources, she continues to pursue her university studies with dedication, perseverance, and excellence.

Her academic achievements reflect her strength and commitment: she graduated from the Social Service Worker program with high distinction, received awards for academic excellence and community involvement, and successfully completed a professional placement that was recognized through a highly positive letter of recommendation highlighting her professionalism, compassion, and ability to build meaningful connections.

Meriem deserves this scholarship because she fully embodies the values of perseverance, courage, and community commitment. Despite facing significant personal, family, and financial challenges, she continues to pursue her education with excellence and demonstrates exceptional potential to contribute to the field of social work. Her journey reflects rare resilience, a profound sense of responsibility, and a sincere desire to improve the lives of others while creating a better future for her children.

This scholarship represents not only essential financial support, but also recognition of her inspiring journey and her determination to transform her challenges into strength in service of her community.

Congratulations, Meriem!