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A business scholarship programme that is transforming lives in some of the most challenged regions of Lebanon has been recognised with an international award.
The Lebanese Refugee Scholarship has won first place in the Going BEYOND Awards hosted by the Global Business School Network (GBSN) for its positive impact on society.
The Scholarship provides 20, fully-funded places for Palestinian and Syrian refugees in Lebanon as well as vulnerable Lebanese nationals, to study for a Master in Business Administration (MBA). It is designed to empower and enable those who have been historically excluded from management education and development opportunities.
The Lebanese Refugee MBA programme epitomises that commitment to delivering educational opportunities to learners in the most challenging circumstances.
The Scholarship is run in partnership between the Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University, and the children's charity, Theirworld. They overcame more than 60 other business schools around the world to claim first prize.
After winning the high-profile award, Professor Angus Laing, Executive Dean of the Edinburgh Business School and School of Social Sciences, said: “Edinburgh Business School is proud of its tradition of taking high quality business education to where ever it can make a tangible difference to society. The alumni of our MBA programme spread across the globe and include senior political and business leaders in developing economies.
“The Lebanese Refugee MBA programme epitomises that commitment to delivering educational opportunities to learners in the most challenging circumstances. We are proud to be working with Theirworld to deliver this programme and look forward to further extending the reach of the Edinburgh MBA.”
The Lebanese Refugee Scholarship was launched in 2020 amidst the pandemic and during difficult economic conditions in Lebanon.
Such has been its success that the Edinburgh Business School has already recruited a second cohort of scholarship students.
Shirin Jarrar is the Global Director of MBA Programmes at Edinburgh Business School. She said: “I am very pleased that our initiative was awarded the first place at the Going BEYOND competition. It was amidst some of the most challenging times when we launched this Scholarships initiative.
“The students have impressed us with their achievements, many are nearing the completion of their MBA studies, and two students are expected to graduate with the highest rank of Distinction despite all challenges they face. Our commitment continues, and we have welcomed in September a new cohort of 20 students who are promising to be rising stars and future enablers to others within their community.”
Justin van Fleet, President of Theirworld, said: “Theirworld is utterly committed to the ideal that every young person deserves a safe place to learn, so we are incredibly proud that our partnership with Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University has been recognised in this prestigious award.
“Despite learning in the most difficult of conditions, these remarkable young scholars have excelled. Whatever they do next, I am excited to see how they will use their skills to build a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities.”
The Going BEYOND Awards are designed to highlight and share programs and initiatives that strengthen society, demonstrate community impact and embody the spirit of inclusive and sustainable development.