University

27 Oct 09

Master's student Shaharzad Akbar benefits from new scholarship

Twenty-one year old Shaharzad Akbar from Afghanistan is among the first students to receive the new Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship at Oxford University. The scholarship means she can pursue a Master's degree in Development Studies. 

'Nine years ago, it was unimaginable for an Afghan, especially an Afghan woman of my economic background, to think about studying in an institution such as Oxford University,' she reflects. ' I hope my education in Oxford and being part of this prestigious scheme will enable me to sustain and expand that hope and belief in a better future for more young Afghan women and men. I hope that belief, accompanied with the realisation of education and a better life, can ultimately bring an end to the war and destruction.' 

The Weidenfeld Scholarships and Leadership Programme began in 2007 with 17 scholars and has expanded to the current cohort of 29. The programme, led by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, provides outstanding young people from transition and emerging economies with the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at Oxford. It also offers them a comprehensive programme of leadership development. The scholars are encouraged to reflect on the nature of a 'good society' and explore how they can work towards this goal in their own field.

October 2009 sees the launch of a new sub-scheme, which has been funded by Swiss philanthropist, André Hoffmann, through his grant-giving institution 'Fondation Hoffmann'. Each year five Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholars will be sponsored to pursue studies connected with environmental and sustainable management and international development. Mr Hoffmann chose these particular areas because of his concern about the risk of conflict arising from competition for depleting natural resources.

Supporting the launch of the programme, Professor Roger Goodman, Head of Social Sciences at Oxford University, said: 'The challenges of the 21st century are going to require excellent social scientists who are willing and able to lead on tackling the critical issues of the day. The Weidenfeld Scholarships are addressing this very need and it is no surprise that they are already highly sought after for those who wish to study here at Oxford.'

In its first year, the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scheme is also supporting another Afghan student  who has deferred the start of his course until October 2010.