Education activist Malala Yousafzai received an honorary doctor of civil law at the 225th Encaenia celebrations on 15 May 2014. To mark the historic occasion, King’s announced the creation of the Malala Yousafzai Canada Scholarships.
Ms. Yousafzai thanked the university and her fellow graduates in a heartfelt video message: “I was excited when King’s College announced a scholarship for students who are in developing countries. [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.”
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 for 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 largest scholarship King’s offers international students.
Through an equal partnership with Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), King’s will offer two Malala Yousafzai Canada Scholarships in this inaugural year. The IDRC and the Malala Fund will help King’s to identify and nominate qualified candidates.
“King’s strives to cultivate courage and independence of mind in its students,” says President George Cooper. “Malala Yousafzai is an exemplar of these qualities. King’s is proud to translate Malala’s profound passion for education into a scholarship that will benefit young women in developing countries.”
Chair of the King’s board of governors Dale Godsoe says: “King’s has been educating students for 225 years. We introduced university education in Canada nearly 80 years before Confederation. Malala is a 21st century pioneer who believes that education is at the heart of our global future. King’s honours her commitment and shares her vision. We look forward to welcoming the Malala Yousafzai Canada Scholars to King’s.
The University of King’s College also awarded honorary degrees to four highly distinguished recipients: the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, the Honourable Michael A Meighen, Dr. Carol Ann Charlebois, and Dr. John Hamm. Candidates were selected for their interest in education, their concern for human dignity, their dedication to public service, and their belief that education makes the world a better place. More information about the honorary doctorate recipients.