Celebrations mark 30 years of DAFI scholarship programme in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD -- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and Inspire Pakistan on Tuesday celebrated 30 years of the DAFI known by its acronym (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship programme for refugees in Islamabad.

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.

The 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.

The 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.

'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,' underscored UNHCR Representative to Pakistan, Noriko Yoshida. 'By enabling refugees to fulfil their potential, the scholarship programme has a transformative effect and changes their lives forever.'

The 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.

In 2022, half of the 175 scholarships were awarded to women, compared to a quarter previously. This...