International human rights lawyer Amal Clooney wants to increase educational opportunities for fellow Lebanese women.
She has partnered with 100 Lives, an organization seeking to educate people on the Armenian genocide, to annually award a scholarship at the United World College in Dilijan, Armenia. Winners will enroll in a two-year international baccalaureate program.
"This scholarship will give young women from Lebanon the opportunity of a lifetime," Clooney said in a statement. "Cross-cultural learning and studying abroad can be transformative. I am grateful to 100 Lives for helping to open doors for these bright and talented young women."
"As a leading human rights barrister and campaigner, Amal Clooney is an inspirational role model for young women around the world. She exemplifies integrity, compassion and dedication -- and typifies what it means to be a global citizen across all cultures," Ruben Vardanyan, co-founder of 100 Lives and UWC Dilijan, said in a statement. "100 Lives recognizes the need for future generations to have greater cross-cultural understanding. The college strives to make education a force for peace by bringing together aspiring young leaders from all over the world."
Selection criteria for the Amal Clooney Scholarship include "exemplary academic performance and demonstrable interest in the promotion of human rights and international issues."
Pamela Tebchrany is the first recipient. Fluent in Arabic, English and French, she recently graduated top of her class and plans to study human rights and women's equality.
The choice to partner with an Armenian organization may stem from Amal and husband George Clooney's commitment to genocide prevention. George Clooney co-chairs the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, which was developed by 100 Lives and recognizes individuals "who put themselves at risk to enable others to survive" and will be presented in Armenia next year. He also co-founded the Not On Our Watch foundation -- a partner of 100 Lives -- which aims to end mass atrocities.
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