Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has helped establish the new scholarship. Photo: ANDREW MATTHEWS/Pool/AFP
The University of Canterbury last week unveiled a scholarship for those impacted by the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks.
The Ōtautahi Aroha wa Salam: March 15 Scholarship offers financial support to survivors of the attacks as well as to family members of victims and survivors.
The scholarship allows recipients to undertake full- or part-time study in any University of Canterbury programme, including certificates, diplomas, short courses and online options, with flexibility across educational paths and no requirement for a specific degree programme.
Eligibility for the scholarship extends to those directly affected by the 2019 mosque attacks and their family members, including descendants.
In addition, applicants may choose to study at other accredited educational institutions.
Those killed in the attack who were not New Zealand citizens hailed from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Indonesia and Egypt.
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern was key in establishing this scholarship, securing a US$250,000 ($418,600) grant from California-based Skoll Foundation.
"I don't believe we'll ever fully understand the impact of March 15 on our Muslim community, and that's why our response to it should have no end point," Ardern said.
"Educational support to survivors and the families most affected is a small thing compared to the overwhelming support and love provided to all New Zealanders in the aftermath of one of our darkest days," she said.
The scholarship is also rooted in the legacy of the Christchurch Call, a global initiative founded by Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron in the wake of the 2019 mosque shootings that sought to work with governments and tech companies to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.
"We are deeply grateful for the funding that has made this scholarship possible," said Catherine Moran, deputy vice-chancellor academic of the University of Canterbury.
"This initiative not only provides vital support for survivors and their families but also opens doors to new educational pathways," Moran said.
"The Ōtautahi Aroha wa Salam: March 15 Scholarship will be offered on an annual basis, and we are deeply grateful for the funding that has made this scholarship possible," she said.
"We hope this scholarship helps in healing and fostering resilience within our community."