Two Pitzer Students Awarded 2026 Projects for Peace Grants

Two students from Pitzer College have been selected to receive $10,000 Projects for Peace grants to design and implement innovative summer initiatives addressing critical global challenges.

Each year, Projects for Peace supports student leaders around the world in developing community-centered, scalable solutions while deepening their understanding of peacebuilding and social impact. At Pitzer, the Office of Fellowships nominates two students annually; it is rare for both nominees to be selected in the same year, which marks this as the second time that both of the college’s applicants have been chosen (this also occurred in 2024).

Abigail Wulimaja ’29: Expanding Opportunity in Ghana

Abigail Wulimaja ’29 will lead Project Smile in Accra, Ghana, working within the Agbogbloshie community to equip young women who have completed Senior High School with vocational skills, mentorship and financial pathways to economic independence.  

Wulimaja seeks to address the economic, cultural and institutional barriers that can lead to early marriage, exploitation and poverty. Grounded in the belief that peace requires equality and the agency for individuals to shape their own futures, the project addresses the economic, cultural and institutional barriers that limit opportunities for young women.

“Being selected for this award fills me with so much gratitude and excitement,” she said. “It’s a chance to bring an idea to life and to contribute, in my own way, to building peace in the community.”

A human biology major with a minor in data science, Wulimaja’s academic work reflects a deep interest in the intersection of science, technology and equity.

Saif El Mosalami ’26: Advancing Refugee Legal Support in Egypt

Saif El Mosalami ’26 will implement a project in Cairo, Egypt, focused on strengthening the legal capacity of a Sudanese refugee-led organization. His work will include training community paralegals, hosting “Know Your Rights” workshops and building a legal referral network with Egyptian human rights lawyers to support refugees navigating the asylum process.

A Middle Eastern studies major, he draws on prior experience working with displaced populations in Cairo. His project aims to reduce systemic barriers, expand access to legal representation and empower community-led advocacy efforts for vulnerable refugee populations.

“I decided to focus specifically on the Sudanese population due to the oppressive state-enforced criminalization of the Sudanese population,” he said.

He said that his future plans include continuing to build on his knowledge of refugee law to properly and effectively advocate for marginalized communities. 
 

Pictured above (from left): 2026 Project for Peace recipients Abigail Wulimaja ’29 and Saif El Mosalami ’26