Some 2,800 refugee lives transformed in Pakistan since 1992 thanks to German-funded scholarship programme and support of the Commissionerate of Afghan Refugee Affairs
\n ISLAMABAD
\nUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and Inspire Pakistan, celebrated in Islamabad today 30 years of the DAFI scholarship programme for refugees. The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) scholarship programme has transformed the lives of over 2,800 refugee students across Pakistan since 1992, and over 21,500 learners around the world.
\nThe German-backed programme provides scholarship opportunities for third level undergraduate students, majoring in fields including medicine, engineering, social and behaviour sciences, business administration, mathematics and computer sciences.
\nThe DAFI scholarship programme contributes to the promotion of self-reliance of refugees by equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge and professional qualifications for future employment. The programme is aimed at the development of highly qualified and skilled human resources that can play a vital role not only in Pakistan but also for the reconstruction of their country of origin.
\n\u201cBy investing in education, students will contribute to the economy of their host country and support their communities once they return to rebuild their lives,\u201d underscored UNHCR Representative to Pakistan, Noriko Yoshida. \u201cBy enabling refugees to fulfil their potential, the scholarship programme has a transformative effect and changes their lives forever.\u201d
\nThe scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis with regard to merit, excellence and financial need. The programme grants scholarships to deserving young refugees enrolled in recognised universities, colleges and polytechnics in Pakistan.
\nIn 2022, half of the 175 scholarships were awarded to women, compared to a quarter previously. This increase followed intensive outreach efforts to refugee communities and awareness raising on women\u2019s higher-level education opportunities and support available. In addition, a new two-year DAFI Bridge programme for science and technology aimed at women studying at higher secondary level was launched.
\n\u201cEducation does more than teach academic skills \u2013 it provides students with a safe place to grow and learn life skills, such as cooperation, responsibility, and respect,\u201d noted Qaiser M. Siddiqui, CEO of Inspire Pakistan, which is implementing the DAFI programme.
\nJoining the celebrations was Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, H.E. Alfred Grannas, Chief Commissioner, Saleem Khan, Commissionerate of Afghan refugees (CCAR), as well as members of the international community.
\nNoting that the funding for the scholarship programme illustrates the commitment of Germany to supporting refugees and host communities, scholars were eager to convey their appreciation to Ambassador Grannas as well as to the Government of Pakistan and third level institutions across the country for the opportunity to continue their studies to third level.
\n\u201cDAFI has opened so many doors to me and many others,\u201d concluded Marwah Sadat, a DAFI scholar and host for the event. \u201cThanks to the financial support of the scholarship programme, I could focus on my studies and achieve my dreams,\u201d noted the bachelor\u2019s graduate in Media Studies from Iqra National University, Peshawar.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Some 2,800 refugee lives transformed in Pakistan since 1992 thanks to German-funded scholarship programme and support of the Commissionerate of Afghan Refugee Affairs ISLAMABAD UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and Inspire Pakistan, celebrated in Islamabad today 30 years of the DAFI scholarship programme for refugees. The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) scholarship programme […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":295496,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-295483","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n