Here’s one piece of good news. Apple becomes the Malala Fund’s first Laureate partner to help boost the organization’s efforts to support girls’ education and advocacy for equal opportunity. The partnership will hopefully double the organizations ability to award grants by its Gulmakai Network, which supports programs in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Nigeria, as well as extend funding programs to India and Latin America. The initial goal is to extend the secondary education opportunities to over 100,000 girls. On Apple’s part, they will assist by providing technology as well as helping with curriculum and research to make sure policy changes are being implemented everywhere so that girls can attend school and complete their education. Apple CEO Tim Cook will be part of the Malala Fund’s leadership council.
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who started the organization, says, “My dream is for every girl to choose her own future. Through both their innovations and philanthropy, Apple has helped educate and empower people around the world. I am grateful that Apple knows the value of investing in girls and is joining Malala Fund in the fight to ensure all girls can learn and lead without fear.”