DAFI Introduction:

Funded by the Government of Germany DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) 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 geared towards the development of a highly qualifi­ed and skilled human resource that can play a vital role in the reconstruction of their country of origin. These 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 recognized universities, colleges and polytechnics in Pakistan.

Strategic Objectives

1. Promote self-reliance and pathways to solutions resulting from the completion of undergraduate qualification.
2. Empower young women and men equally to contribute knowledge, skills and leadership to their communities, and to participate fully in peaceful coexistence, social cohesion and the development of the communities where they live.
3. Strengthen the protective impact of education by encouraging lifelong learning for refugees.
4. Provide role models for refugee children and youth, by demonstrating the positive impact of education on individuals, communities and societies.
5. Contribute to post-conflict peace-building and reconstruction in the event that refugees return to their home countries.
6. Promote social, economic and gender equality.

DAFI in Pakistan

Inspire Pakistan has been implementing the DAFI project funded by UNHCR since July 2014 and so far, has been able to grant DAFI scholarships to more than 1400 refugee students. The students come from different ethnic backgrounds belonging to different parts of the hosting country. Inspire has helped placing students on internships/jobs within the hosting country.

DAFI Scholarship program covers a wide range costs from tuition fee, books and travel allowance. Apart from the financial support, skill development trainings, counselling sessions, career counselling, exposure visits as well as activities encouraging volunteerism and peer support are some of additional support available to DAFI scholars.