Study exchange for young leader from Pakistan

I believe every child from my community and communities worldwide should have access to equal educational and employment opportunities. That sounds simple and uncontroversial, but in the rural area of Pakistan where I grew up, there are many barriers to making that vision a reality.  In Chitral, my home district, youth suffer from severe lack of opportunity and cultural expectations.

I aspire to contribute to gender equality promotion and opportunities for youth in my region through media. I have been working tirelessly toward that goal through my education as a Politics, Philosophy and Economics major at Asian University for Women in Bangladesh, and several internships and research projects. I conducted a summer research project on gender conflict in Chitral, and have written to various newspapers highlighting different issues the people of Chitral face in general and women in particular. I received the High Achievement Award from the Aga Khan Education Service in Bangladesh. Looking ahead, I dream of an international academic opportunity, so that I can bring lessons and tools back to my community. I have been nominated for a 4-month exchange program to Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. It is a once in a lifetime learning opportunity that would increase my scope for achieving social impact in Pakistan.  

The tuition for the program has been waived. However, I will not be able to attend the program without being able to cover accommodation, airfare, food, and materials expenses, which cost $2,500. I would deeply appreciate your support to help me to achieve my dream of studying at the Yonsei University.

Nazhat Shakir