In 2019 AIWF was invited to support Schwarzman Scholars with their selection process for the fifth cohort and enlisted the support of Injaz in Jordan to identify talented candidates for this prestigious international scholarship programme. Over 4,700 candidates applied from all around the world, leaving the team with the very difficult task of selecting just 147 to be Schwarzman Scholars.
The Schwarzman Scholarship is designed to prepare young leaders to deepen understanding between China and the rest of the world, and is the first scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century. Students pursue a Masters in Global Affairs, and spend a year immersed in an international community of thinkers, innovators and senior leaders in business, politics and society. In an environment of intellectual engagement, professional development and cultural exchange, they learn from one another and pursue their academic disciplines while building their leadership capacities. The experience will expand students’ understanding of the world and create a growing network of global leaders that will build strong ties between China and the rest of the world.
One of the candidates nominated by AIWF and Injaz, Lina Abojaradeh, was successful and has now joined the Schwarzman Scholars progrmame. Lina identifies as a pioneer of “artivism”, activism through art. Founder of social initiative Archismile, she is using art as a teaching methodology to empower youth in Jordan to gain 21st century skills, having impacted over 7000 youth. She is alumni of multiple international fellowships for civic leaders, and winner of international awards in filmmaking, writing and art. Her art raises awareness on issues like colonialism, gender, religious and racial inequality. Lina, who is from Jordan, has exhibited and spoken about her work in Ireland, Argentina, Turkey, the United States, Tunisia, and Egypt.
Wyatt Bruton, Associate Director of Admissions for Schwarzman Scholars, shared: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Lina Abojaradeh to this new class of Schwarzman Scholars. I so enjoyed meeting her during her interview in London, and I look forward to supporting her on this journey.” AIWF wishes Lina every success in her scholarship and remains committed in 2020 to building new bridges and opening up new opportunities for our talented youth in the region.
