Fatima Aletić and Dalila Majetić recipients of 'dr Azra Spahić and dr Alma Suljić' scholarships

(Patria) - In Sarajevo, organized by the Academia Foundation, thanks to numerous donors, the scholarships “dr Azra Spahić and dr Alma Suljić” were awarded in memory of two daughters, sisters, young doctors,
friends, colleagues who tragically died at Marijin Dvor at the hands of an intoxicated driver who was driving under a ban, i.e., whose driver's license had previously been revoked due to committed offenses.

25 female candidates, medical students from all over BiH, applied for the competition.

The commission had a very difficult task, to choose students who reflect Alma's and Azra's spirit, determination, and commitment to education, art, and social activism.

The scholarships were awarded to students of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Sarajevo, Fatima Aletić and Dalila Majetić.

The life and legacy of dr Alma Suljić and dr Azra Spahić, their love, knowledge, abilities, dedication, results, the mark they left, were the reason for the Academia Foundation to announce a public call for the third consecutive year and award two scholarships in memory of two young lives that were cut short too soon.

“It is our great pleasure and honor to participate in the organization of the process, selection, and awarding of scholarships bearing the names of our colleagues again this year. This is an opportunity to continue awarding scholarships and to preserve the memory of our colleagues. That is one purpose. And the second purpose is to support the best. I am proud to have had the honor of being part of this activity!” – said Ismar Ećo, president of the Academia Foundation, who emphasized that he is always inspired by the motivational letters of the candidates, which show that the students not only study well but also have high ambitions.

Adnan Spahić, the brother of dr Azra Spahić, while thanking those present, emphasized that the tragedy brought a large number of people together, but that the lives of Alma and Azra should be the topic of conversation.

“Although we are all gathered around the tragedy, we are here to continue the path of benevolence that Alma and Azra walked, and what better path than supporting the young and ambitious!” – said Spahić.

Fatima Aletić is the recipient of the “dr Azra Spahić” scholarship. She did not know her, but as she points out, the mark these two young doctors left reaches her generation as well.

“The late dr Azra was a medical student and an artist. I recognized in her what I want to be. I believe that knowledge is valuable only if we share it. This scholarship is not only a support for my education, but also a confirmation that it is worth being persistent, responsible, and dedicated. Alma and Azra live in us who have the courage to continue where they left off…” – said Fatima.

Dalila Majetić, the recipient of the “dr Alma Suljić” scholarship, emphasized that she is aware that every scholarship is an acknowledgment, but this one is not just an award. It is a legacy.

“We study anatomy, physiology, pathology, however, from the life of dr Alma, we learn something that does not exist in textbooks. How knowledge becomes meaningful only when we put it in the service of humanity. And precisely because of that, this scholarship, which bears her name, is not just an acknowledgment for me, but a direction, a signpost!” – said Dalila.

All who had the luck and privilege to meet dr Azra and dr Alma will remember them forever, and the scholarships are just one of the ways they live on and contribute to science and the community even after death.

The two doctors left a mark of goodness wherever they appeared during their lives. In addition to education, they were active in numerous fields, organized and implemented humanitarian actions, helped younger students, loved art. They were exemplary children, top students, students the Faculty of Medicine was proud of.