AUC' s newly established Engaged Scholars Fellowship Program paves the way for Egyptian students who come from scientific disciplines and have an interest in humanities and social sciences to pursue graduate studies at the University. The fellowship enables awardees, with demonstrated involvement in civil society or community service, to make the transition across academic fields in a manner that may not be permissible in Egypt’s national universities.

The fellowship targets young and active individuals with a proven record of engagement in public and civil society organizations. Candidates are requested to submit a personal statement clarifying how the award may impact them and their communities. As of Fall 2012, a total of 15 candidates will be selected for the fellowship.

Beyond its academic value, the fellowship contributes to diversifying the student body and enriches AUC’s populace. With students coming from different universities and academic backgrounds, the fellowship presents a community-based learning opportunity.

“The fellowship acknowledges the role that young people play in society today,” said Rabab El Mahdi, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science who helped establish the scholarship at AUC. “It presents students with all the tools they need to sharpen their knowledge. AUC is best poised to offer this opportunity, seeing how it fits the University’s mission of giving back to the community.”

Sameh El-Barqy, a political activist and one of the students selected for the fellowship, was a member of Cairo University’s student union and was engaged in several cultural and artistic activities there. In 2006, he co-founded the Sawasya institute for defending human rights and combating discrimination. Through the organization, El-Barqy worked with other members to monitor and record violations against various groups in Egypt and issued reports with every election. As of June 2011, he has been involved with Al Tayyar Al Masry political party, a group that is not based on a certain ideology, but focuses instead on participatory democracy. The party promotes the concept of popular monitoring, whereby people are given the right to revoke confidence from elected parliamentarians. In addition, the party has conducted several workshops with peasants to investigate their issues and present plausible solutions.

“In all other countries, nongovernmental organizations play a vital role in society. Sadly, this is not the case here in Egypt,” said El-Barqy. “Through this award, I’m hoping to contribute to the support and capacity building of these key entities, especially during such critical times.”

El-Barqy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Shortly after, he decided to follow his true interests in the field of political science by undertaking diplomas in the fields of civil society, human rights and nongovernmental organizations, with the ultimate aim of applying for a master’s degree. His efforts were eventually impeded by a system of rigid rules that did not allow non-humanities majors to pursue a master’s degree in the field.

“On a personal level, I’m hoping that this opportunity will help me with my political aspirations,” said El-Barqy, who intends to specialize in sociology and anthropology at AUC. “I feel that the academic aspect is just as imperative as hands-on experience. I’m hoping that this fellowship will provide me with much-needed knowledge in building a strong program for the party, which will ultimately service society as a whole.”

Dalia Abdel Hameed, another activist selected for the fellowship, graduated in 2005 from Cairo University. During that same year, she became involved with political movements as elections and referendums were being held. She attended several protests with the Kefaya movement and developed a keen interest in women’s rights. Abdel Hameed moved on to the New Woman Foundation as a researcher and campaigner on several issues in Egypt including sexual violence and induced abortion. She currently works at the Egyptian Initiative for Human Personal Rights, where she documented testimonies from physicians and injured people during the revolution. Abdel Hameed’s research uncovered a number of medical neutrality violations and breaches to people’s rights to health care.

“I’m really hoping to expand on my research and professional work through this fellowship,” said Abdel Hameed. “Simply put, without academic experience you will not possess enough tools. This opportunity will provide me with exposure to faculty members with extensive knowledge across many fields, critical thinking tools and mentoring opportunities, as well as access to facilities and databases. Hopefully, it will enable me to serve my country better.”

For more information on AUC’s fellowships, click here.

Photo caption: Sameh El-Barqy, a political activist and one of the students selected for the fellowship