Driven by a desire to make a positive difference to others, Monica initially supported the King’s Sanctuary scholarships to help support undergraduates with refugee or forced migrant status. She then set up the Dr Monica Malik Sanctuary Bursary for postgraduate students from a refugee or humanitarian background.
Through the bursary, Monica wants to help refugee students achieve their dream of obtaining a postgraduate degree and give them hope. ‘I’ve had a lot of kindness in my life. I think it’s important to do the same for others. To feel that they are not alone and that there is someone to support them’, she says.
Supporting the students through the bursary is also rewarding for Monica. ‘It has been so meaningful for me to get to know the students that I’ve helped and to hear their stories. It’s very moving to have that connection.’
The current bursary recipient thanked Monica for the opportunities that her generous donation has provided them with, particularly the ability to prioritise focusing on their studies. Commenting on Monica’s deep understanding of the barriers refugees face when accessing education, the recipient expressed gratitude for the huge difference the bursary has made to their life and time at King’s.