Apple teams with Malala Yousafzai to expand girls’ education efforts

Apple announced Sunday that the company will partner with the  Malala Fund to expand the fund’s support for girls’ education in Latin America and the Middle East.

The tech company announced in a press release that it will contribute to the organization by helping with technology and curriculum, and researching policy changes that can help further the Malala Fund’s mission worldwide.

Through the partnership, the Malala Fund expects to expand its services providing education opportunities and funding to programs in India and Latin America and double the grants given by its Gulmakai Network in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Turkey and Nigeria.

{mosads}The Malala Fund is run by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban after speaking out against their ban on girls attending school in her Pakistani community.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, who will join the fund’s leadership council as part of the partnership, said in the release that the company shares Malala Fund’s commitment to provide education opportunities for girls.

“We believe that education is a great equalizing force,” Cook said. “Malala is a courageous advocate for equality. She’s one of the most inspiring figures of our time, and we are honored to help her extend the important work she is doing to empower girls around the world.”

Yousafzai said in the release that she’s “grateful” for Apple’s partnership.

“My dream is for every girl to choose her own future,” she said. “Through both their innovations and philanthropy, Apple has helped educate and empower people around the world. I am grateful that Apple knows the value of investing in girls and is joining Malala Fund in the fight to ensure all girls can learn and lead without fear.”