Islamabad, 16 November 2022 (TDI): The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Inspire Pakistan celebrated 30 years of the DAFI scholarship program for refugees on Tuesday.
The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) scholarship program is providing scholarships to refugee students since 1992. More than 2,800 students have benefitted from the program since then.
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While talking at the ceremony, UNHCR Representative to Pakistan, Noriko Yoshida stated that “By investing in education, students will contribute to the economy of their host country and support their communities once they return to rebuild their lives.”
She underscored the importance of initiative and said that “By enabling refugees to fulfill their potential, the scholarship program has a transformative effect and changes their lives forever.”
Qaiser Siddiqui, the CEO of Inspire Pakistan, which is implementing the scholarship program enunciated that “Education does more than teach academic skills.
It provides students with a safe place to grow and learn life skills, such as cooperation, responsibility, and respect.”
It was highlighted during the ceremony that a new two-year DAFI Bridge program for science and technology was recently launched. The new program aimed at women studying at the higher secondary levels.
Read also: UMT Lahore announces 100 scholarships for Afghan students
It is worth mentioning here that the Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, Alfred Grannas, Chief Commissioner of Commissionerate of Afghan refugees (CCAR), Saleem Khan along with members of the international community attended the ceremony.
What is DAFI Scholarship Program?
DAFI; the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative is an undergraduate scholarship program. It is funded by the Government of Germany and administered by UNHCR.
The program was initiated in 1992. The aim was to provide financial aid to deserving Afghan refugee students to attain their educational goals.
It facilitates young students enrolled in recognized universities, colleges, and polytechnics in Pakistan. The scholarship is provided in all fields of study.
The awards cover a wide range of costs from tuition fees and study materials to transport, accommodation, and other allowances.
It is pertinent to mention here that beneficiaries of the scholarship program in Pakistan are registered Afghan refugees holding a valid Proof of Registration (PoR) Card.
