The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative Fund (German: Deutsche Akademische Flüchtlings Initiative Albert Einstein or DAFI) grants deserving young refugees scholarships at universities, colleges and polytechnics in their host countries. The programme, the only of this kind in the world,[1] has been sponsored since 1992 by the government of Germany.[2]
Contents |
The main aim of the DAFI programme is to contribute to human resources development as part of a broader strategy of promoting self-reliance and durable solutions for refugees.[3] Refugees with higher education qualifications are more likely to attain self-reliance.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), who is administering the DAFI programme worldwide, considers repatriation as the preferred solution for refugees. A DAFI graduate who returns home not only finds a durable solution for themselves and their family, but is also likely to find employment and contribute to the reconstruction and rehabilitation process for the whole community.
Ex-DAFI students are sometimes the only doctors or teachers in their area of return. While the numbers of DAFI students are small, their impact is huge because of their areas of expertise. Some work in business and government, others are employed by UNHCR and other United Nations agencies.
Number of students: 1,067
Countries of study: DAFI students enrolled in courses in 38 countries.[4]
Countries of origin: Refugees on DAFI courses came from 37 countries.
Length of studies: Between three and four years
Main study subjects: Education and teacher training; commerce/business; medicine and health; social studies; mathematics and computer sciences; engineering; agriculture, forestry and fisheries