Pictured: Farahnaz Haidary receiving her MIC Postgraduate College of Sanctuary Scholarship at the recent MIC College Awards from Dr Geraldine Brosnan, Director of Student Life at MIC.
Mary Immaculate College (MIC) is delighted to announce that a Human Rights advocate and a linguistics academic have been awarded MIC Postgraduate University of Sanctuary Scholarships.
The scholarship programme, now in its second year, aims to offer financial support for those seeking international protection and includes a full fee waiver and an annual stipend of €3,000.
The two successful applicants—both from Afghanistan—are Farahnaz Haidary who is pursuing an M Ed in Education for Human Rights and Equality and Ahmad Shah Amadhi who is studying for a Master's in Applied Linguistics. Edward, a recipient from 2023, is entering Year Two of his doctorate, a Structured PhD in Applied Linguistics, and will also continue to be supported.
Professor Lorraine McIlrath, Director of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturalism at MIC, congratulated the awardees.
"This scholarship programme is facilitated by the EDII office at MIC and is designed to increase participation for international protection applicants, refugees and migrant groups on a merit basis and we are extremely happy to support our two recipients, Farahnaz and Ahmad, in their chosen course of study."
Farahnaz attended MIC’s Women in Education: Afghanistan and Ireland conference in March 2023, which heard from Afghan women, academics, journalists and government employees about the plight women face under the Taliban and what the international community might be able to do to help.
She said that the scholarship “was not just a financial support but a hope, trust and opportunity” to advance her work with migrant communities in areas like integration.
“I worked for 14 years as a human rights and women’s rights activist but unfortunately everything was destroyed. Now I am in Ireland and I started again from the first steps. This scholarship will help me to support others and it is a good chance for me to continue my dream and have a positive effect in society. Thanks a million to MIC.”
MIC also offers an Undergraduate University of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme. Applications for next year's scholarships are now open.
