Canada's IDRC and University of King's College announce Malala Yousafzai Canada Scholarship

HALIFAX, May 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Education activist Malala Yosafzai received an honorary doctor of civil law from the University of King's College, Halifax, today at its 225^th Encaenia celebrations. To mark the historic occasion, Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the University of King's College announced the creation of the Malala Yousafzai Canada Scholarships. 

"I was excited when King's College announced a scholarship for students who are in developing countries," said Malala Yousafzai. "[The] student who dreams for a better future, for a better world, would get the opportunity for a quality education. And that is what totally made me happy."

"We are inspired by Malala Yousafzai's fight to receive an education," says IDRC President Jean Lebel.  "The Malala Yousafzai Canada Scholarships belong with IDRC's long history of providing scholarships to promising, brilliant young minds around the globe. These scholarships will provide new opportunities for bright young women.  By investing in these scholarships, we are investing in future generations of the world's leaders - scientists, journalists, researchers – people who will build our world a better future."

Yousafzai thanked the university and her fellow graduates in a heartfelt video message.

The Malala Yousafzai Canada Scholarships are open to young women from developing countries who would not otherwise be able to afford a post-secondary education. The scholarships will cover all tuition and residence fees plus travel to and from King's, books, and incidentals. The scholarships are renewable through the full four years of an undergraduate degree, at which point a new scholar will be selected. With an annual value of $30,000 Canadian (worth $120,000 over four years), it is the university's largest scholarship offered to international students. 

Through a shared partnership with IDRC, King's is pleased to be able to offer two Malala Yousafzai Canada Scholarships in this inaugural year.  IDRC and the Malala Fund will help King's to identify and nominate qualified candidates.

For more information: King's College  

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About IDRC
A key part of Canada's foreign policy efforts, IDRC supports research in developing countries to promote growth and development. The result is innovative, lasting solutions that aim to improve lives and livelihoods.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About the Malala Fund
The Malala Fund works to ensure all girls have access to education through empowering girls to unlock their potential, raise their voices and demand change. The Malala Fund works with partners globally to invest in inspired innovation and girl-centric approaches to education.

About the University of King's College
Established in 1789, King's College is Canada's oldest chartered university. It celebrates its 225^th anniversary in 2014. A small and extraordinarily lively academic community located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, King's is known nationally and internationally for its highly acclaimed interdisciplinary programs in the humanities and journalism.  

SOURCE: International Development Research Centre

Media contact: Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé | [phone] | [email protected] | @IDRC_CRDI