Apple Partners with Malala Fund to Support Girls’ Education Globally

Apple is pledging its support to the Malala Fund, an organization started by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai. Apple will support the Fund’s commitment to support girls’ education across the globe, the two groups announced in a press release on Monday.

As part of the partnership, Apple will become the Malala Fund’s first Laureate partner and will assist in expanding the Fund’s efforts to provide equal opportunities and education to girls in developing countries, no matter where they are located.

“We believe that education is a great equalizing force, and we share Malala Fund’s commitment to give every girl an opportunity to go to school,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said.

• Apple will help the organization scale up its technology, curriculum and policy research efforts.
• The Cupertino tech giant’s support is expected to double the number of grants awarded by the Fund’s Gulmakai Network, and allow the organization to expand into India and Latin America.

“My dream is for every girl to choose her own future,” Yousafzai said in a statement. “Through both their innovation 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.”

Founded and led by Malala Yousafzai and her father, the Malala Fund is committed to championing “every girl’s right to 12 years of free, safe, quality education.” The Fund estimates that roughly 130 million girls are out of school, so their work is becoming increasingly important.

The organization has been operational since 2013, and works with a slew of private sector groups and government entities to help foster educational opportunities across the globe. Additionally, its own Gulmakai Network directly supports programs in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Turkey and Nigeria.

Malala became known around the world when she was named the youngest Nobel Peace Price winner in 2014. When she was just 15, Malala survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 in response to her outspoken advocacy for equal, quality education in Pakistan.

“Malala is a courageous advocate for equality. She’s one of the most inspiring figures of our time, and we are honored to help her extend the important work she is doing to power girls around the world,” Cook said. The Apple CEO is also expected to join the Malala Fund’s leadership council, the company announced.