Malala announces scholarship for Palestinian students at Oxford University

OXFORD/LONDON: The youngest Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai announced a new scholarship initiative in support of Palestinian students at the University of Oxford during her keynote address at the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) fundraiser dinner.

Part of the Refugee Academic Futures Programme at Oxford, Malala highlighted how the Graduate Scholarship for Palestinian Students aims to overcome the financial barriers that prevent Palestinian students from accessing Oxford's esteemed educational opportunities.

In her address, she highlighted the devastating impact of the recent conflict in Gaza on educational opportunities. "More than 80% of Gaza's schools and all universities have been damaged or destroyed," she stated.

She emphasised that this scholarship is one of many important signals that we can provide to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinian young people.

"It will require a lasting ceasefire, and then years of investment in learning opportunities, to rebuild Gaza’s education system. But in the interim, we must all do everything we can to lend our support to as many students as possible by sharing their stories, echoing their calls to action and funding them directly."

"This initiative is about centring and supporting young Palestinians whose voices will continue to resonate across the globe," Malala emphasised. "Together, we're not just funding a scholarship; we are sending an important signal of solidarity with the Palestinian people."

The first recipient of this scholarship will begin their studies at Lady Margaret Hall at the University of Oxford, in October 2024. As part of the vibrant Oxford Pakistan Programme community, this scholar will embody resilience and change, drawing from a network of support and solidarity from their diverse peers.

In addition to the scholarship given through the Malala Fund, Oxford University will also enhance its support through a dedicated access program. This program will guide Palestinian students through the application process for universities in the UK and the US.

Malala, in her speech, also highlighted the $300,000 in emergency funding that the Malala Fund has already committed in additional support for Palestinian-led organisations and humanitarian efforts.

While the Malala Fund is focused on advocacy for girls' access and completion of education through activist partners, they also preserve limited resources to fund emergency and relief efforts when the most acute crises disrupt girls' ability to learn.

A distinguished alumna of Lady Margaret Hall, Malala has supported the OPP initiative since its inception in line with her commitment to ensuring all girls receive a full, quality education.

In her address, she also reflected on her role in establishing two scholarships that assist Pakistani female students in pursuing their academic goals at Oxford University — a step that promotes leadership and academic distinction.