LONDON: The world’s youngest Nobel laureate and co-founder of the Malala Fund, Malala Yousafzai, announced a new scholarship initiative for Palestinian students at the University of Oxford this week.

According to a press statement, the announcement was made during her keynote address at the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) fundraiser dinner, which takes place as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate due to sustained bombings by Israel.

The graduate scholarship for Palestinian students, part of the Refugee Academic Futures Programme at Oxford, aims to break down financial barriers that hinder Palestinian students from accessing educational opportunities Oxford offers.

In her speech, Malala highlighted the devastating impact of the recent conflict in Gaza on education, noting that more than 80 per cent of Gaza’s schools and all universities have been damaged or destroyed.

“This scholarship is a vital signal of solidarity with Palestinian young people,” she said. “It will require a lasting ceasefire and years of investment in learning opportunities to rebuild Gaza’s education system.

“In the interim, we must support as many students as possible by sharing their stories, echoing their calls to action, and funding them directly.”

The scholarship initiative is designed to support Palestinian students whose voices and experiences will resonate globally. The first recipient will begin their studies at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, in October 2024.

In addition to the Malala Fund scholarship, Oxford University will enhance its support through a dedicated access programme, guiding Palesti­nian students through the application processes for universities in the UK and the US.

Malala reiterated her calls for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a just and lasting peace in Gaza. She emphasised the Malala Fund’s ongoing commitment to Palestine, which includes over $300,000 already committed to Palestinian-led organisations and humanitarian efforts.

“This is such a difficult time… It is heartbreaking and terrifying,” Malala shared in a recent interview with British Vogue. “When I think about what Palestinians are going through, I cannot even imagine the atrocities and pain… Humanising people is important.’’

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2024