Activist and Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai’s effort to get girls around the world have equal access to education opportunities like boys just got a boost after tech giant Apple announced it is becoming the first Laureate partner for The Malala Fund.
Apple made the announcement they will be joining The Malala Fund last Sunday. The tech company will be working to support and expand the Fund’s efforts to give girls around the world access to free, safe, and quality education.
Malala and Apple partnership traces its roots to three months ago when the company’s CEO Tim Cook met Malala in England. The two strike up a conversation, and it became apparent a partnership would drive each party’s agenda further. For Apple, it will be a big CSR-program, while for The Malala Fund, the financial muscle the tech company brings to the table will go a long way in getting more girls into class and start learning.
Experts say with Apple now coming aboard The Malala Fund boat, the number of grants given out towards girls child education is expected double. The program will also have a broader outreach; with planned extension into countries like India and Latin America.
Ever since Cook and Malala have visited students in Syria and Lebanon together. Cook will also join the Malala Fund’s leadership council. In a statement, the Apple CEO said:
“We believe that education is a great equalizing force and we share Malala Fund’s commitment to give every girl and opportunity to go to school.
Malala is courageous advocate for equality. She’s one of the most inspiring figures of our time, and we are honored to help her extend the important work she is doing to empower girls around the world.”
The Malala Fund and Apple partnership seeks to provide over 100,000 girls with secondary education opportunities in its first run. Apple intends to flex its technological muscle and come up with curriculum-based assistance to the fund. Apple also wants to conduct research into policy changes that will further help the fund’s efforts.
About Malala Yousafzai
Back in 2012, Yousafzai was shot by a gunman with the Taliban militants and left for dead. Her mistake was to advocate for women education. She survived and recuperated from the gunshot and rose to become a world stage celebrity championing women’s right to education.
“My dream is for every girl to choose her own future. Through both their innovation and philanthropy. Apple has helped educate and empower people around the world. I am grateful that Apple knows the value of investing in girls and is joining Malala Fund in their fight to ensure all girls can learn and lead without fear,” said Malala in a statement.