The DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship program offers qualified refugee and returnee students the possibility to earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum or home country.

Accessing education is a battle against the odds for these talented, ambitious students, with only 7% of refugee youth able to access higher education, compared to 42% of non-refugee youth. Since its inception in 1992, the DAFI scholarship program has supported over 22,500 young refugees from around the globe to undertake tertiary studies.

IMC’s donation will enable 35 refugees to complete a four-year education course at universities globally from 2024-2027, with the scholarships covering everything from tuition fees and books to rent and food.

“At IMC, we're deeply committed to having a positive impact on the world, with a particular focus on education. We support a range of organizations worldwide focused on helping young people develop to their fullest potential,” explained Lisa Wiersma, Executive Director of IMC Chicago Charitable Foundation.

“In honor of our 35th anniversary, we’re proud to be supporting 35 refugees to complete a university degree in their chosen subject, enabling these individuals to be defined not by their pasts, but by the possibilities in their future.”

UNHCR Private Sector Partnerships Manager Sophia Lasschuijt added: “We are beyond grateful to have a committed partner like IMC at our side. Like many of us, young refugees dream of attending university and with IMC’s generous donation, that dream will become a reality for 35 refugees.”

While this contribution to the UN Refugee Agency’s scholarship program is in honor of our 35th anniversary, it also aligns closely with our sustainability commitments. It will contribute significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 – inclusive and equitable quality education for all – one of the seven UN SDGs we’ve identified as an area where we can make an impact.

© Image: Owned by UNHCR