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New Zealand Politics: Ōtautahi Aroha wa Salam: March 15 Scholarship for Christchurch Mosque Attack Survivors and Descendants

In a commendable move towards healing and resilience, the University of Canterbury last week unveiled the Ōtautahi Aroha wa Salam: March 15 Scholarship for those impacted by the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks.

Details of the Scholarship

• The scholarship offers financial support to survivors of the attacks as well as family members of victims and survivors.
• Recipients can undertake full- or part-time study in any University of Canterbury programme, including certificates, diplomas, short courses, and online options.
• Eligibility extends to those directly affected by the 2019 mosque attacks and their family members, including descendants.
• Applicants may choose to study at other accredited educational institutions.

Key Figures Involved

Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern played a pivotal role in establishing this scholarship, securing a US$250,000 ($418,600) grant from the California-based Skoll Foundation.

The Legacy of the Christchurch Call

This initiative is also rooted in the legacy of the Christchurch Call, a global initiative founded by Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron in the wake of the 2019 mosque shootings. The aim was to work with governments and tech companies to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.

A Step Towards Healing

“I don’t believe we’ll ever fully understand the impact of March 15 on our Muslim community, and that’s why our response to it should have no end point,” Ardern said. “Educational support to survivors and the families most affected is a small thing compared to the overwhelming support and love provided to all New Zealanders in the aftermath of one of our darkest days,” she added.

Continued Support

The scholarship will be offered on an annual basis, providing vital support for survivors and their families and opening doors to new educational pathways.

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Tags: Christchurch Mosque Attacks, Scholarship, University of Canterbury, New Zealand Politics, Dame Jacinda Ardern, Skoll Foundation, Education.