The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI), also known as the UNHCR’s and Inspire Pakistan’s refugee scholarship programme, marked its 30th anniversary on Tuesday in Islamabad.
Since its inception in 1992, the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) scholarship programme has changed the lives of over 2,800 refugee students in Pakistan and over 21,500 students worldwide.
Third-level undergraduate students majoring in subjects like medical, engineering, social and behavioural sciences, business administration, mathematics, and computer sciences are eligible for scholarships under the programme, which is supported by Germany.
The DAFI scholarship programme encourages refugee self-reliance by providing them with the professional credentials, information, and skills they’ll need for future work. The programme aims to create highly competent and qualified human resources who may be instrumental in Pakistan’s rebuilding as well as that of their home country.
Noriko Yoshida, the UNHCR representative in Pakistan, emphasised that by investing in education, students will assist their communities after they return to rebuild their lives and contribute to the economy of their host nation. The scholarship programme “has a transforming effect and affects their life permanently by helping refugees to fulfil their potential.”
Regarding merit, excellence, and financial need, the scholarships are given out in a competitive manner. The initiative offers financial aid to qualified young refugees enrolled in accredited polytechnics, universities, and colleges in Pakistan.
Women received half of the 175 scholarships in 2022 as opposed to a quarter in prior years. This growth came as a result of extensive outreach to refugee groups and education campaigns about the options and resources for women to pursue higher education. A new two-year DAFI Bridge programme for science and technology that is geared toward women enrolled in higher secondary school was also introduced.
“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,” noted Qaiser M. Siddiqui, CEO of Inspire Pakistan, which is implementing the DAFI program.
German Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Alfred Grannas, Chief Commissioner of the Commission for Afghan Refugees (CCAR), Saleem Khan, and representatives of the international community also attended the celebrations.
Scholars were eager to thank Ambassador Grannas as well as the Government of Pakistan and third-level institutions across the country for the opportunity to continue their studies to the third level, noting that the funding for the scholarship programme demonstrates the commitment of Germany to supporting refugees and host communities.
“DAFI has opened so many doors to me and many others,” concluded Marwah Sadat, a DAFI scholar and host for the event. “Thanks to the financial support of the scholarship program, I could focus on my studies and achieve my dreams,” noted the bachelor’s graduate in Media Studies from Iqra National University, Peshawar.
