(IDEX Online) - The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) has partnered with the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) to establish the first in a series of Diamond Empowerment Fund Scholarships.
"The Mandela Institute for Development Studies' unique approach develops Pan-African leaders who have a lived understanding and experience on the continent and who, in turn, can facilitate economic integration and social cohesion," D.E.F. said. "The Diamond Empowerment Fund Scholarship will be earmarked for a student from a diamond producing country whose chosen post-graduate study will be in a field of interest that meets the needs for improving the quality of life for Africans.
"The Diamond Empowerment Fund was inspired by Nelson Mandela who encouraged D.E.F's co-founders to tell the world the positive impact Africa's diamonds were having to build healthy and educated communities on the continent."
D.E.F President Anna Martin, who is also senior vice president of GIA, said, "We are thrilled to be partnering with the Mandela Institute for Development Studies and to continue the legacy of giving back to the very communities where diamonds are found. 2018 marks the centenary birthday for Nelson Mandela whose own impact will be acknowledged and celebrated at the Mandela Peace Summit on the eve of the opening of the UN General Assembly later this month."
Additional D.E.F scholarships will be identified in the coming months, each representing the global impact of the diamond industry.
Pictured above: D.E.F. founder Dr. Ben Chavis with Nelson Mandela in 2006.