Malala announces Oxford University scholarships for Palestinian students

Pakistan's youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai, has announced a scholarship program for Palestinian students to study at Oxford University.

The announcement was made at the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) fundraiser dinner held in London.

During her key address, the girl's education advocate, who herself survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012, informed that 80 percent schools and all universities in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed.

"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," Malala said.

The scholarships, offered through the Malala Fund, aim to support the rebuilding of Gaza's education system and demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian people.

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

The first cohort of Palestinian students will begin their studies at Margaret Hall, University of Oxford in October 2024.