The multiplier effect

Most of the reaction after the murder of Al Jazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, was predictable. We all have seen it way too many times for us to be shocked. It was silence from many European and American journalists, carefully chosen weak and diluted language of condemnation by some politicians, and nothing from other champions of human rights. Yet, in the midst of this predictable, but utterly tragic, general response was a thoughtful move from the American University of Beirut (AUB). The University in a partnership with the Yafa Foundation immediately announced the establishment of Shireen Abu Akleh Endowed Memorial Scholarship to support women from Palestine obtain master’s degree in media studies at the university. In its statement the university said they are “convinced that the best way to commemorate and celebrate the life of Shireen Abu Akleh, an enduring figure of hope and peace, is to create opportunities for others to follow along her path while blazing their own, to bear witness to the truth and keep hope alive, for this generation and those to follow.”

I learned of Shireen’s murder as I was on my way back from Beirut, reflecting on the continued challenges faced by the Palestinians in Lebanon and beyond, and their resolve in a world that has largely forgotten them. Shireen was a household name in the Arab world and a familiar figure among most Palestinian families. The move by AUB made me think about what universities ought to do to preserve and continue the legacy of those in the society who compel us to bear witness, to speak the truth, and to take care of others. No scholarship will bring Shireen back, but the programme will create a new generation of practitioners who will be inspired by her work and her commitment. There is no better way to honour the work than to help it thrive and multiply.

In a world obsessed with rankings and metrics that reduce university education to a position on a list, we must rethink the role of the university. How does the university fulfil its mission in an increasingly unequal, violent and a polarized world? I believe that universities have a responsibility in not just discovering and creating new knowledge, but they must also preserve the most cherished values of society. In this regard, they must be ready to create opportunities that are inspired by the life and work of the members of the community who uphold the very values the university aspires to promote. In the context of Pakistan, there are plenty of our own whose commitment to dignity, selflessness and service can inspire generations. Edhis — both Abdul Sattar and Bilquis — immediately come to mind. A series of scholarships and programmes in their name that support students to learn and think deeply about social work and community engagement in a way that stands up to the voices of hate, exclusion and sectarianism can be a catalyst for sustainable positive change. This is much needed as social work practice in the country often lacks training, engaging with most recent literature, or thinking about the challenges in an organised manner. Too often our students have little opportunity to learn about social work in a structured environment, or have mentors to guide them, or financial support to give them the freedom to study what they are passionate about. Yet, few in the society can disagree that we are better off today because of the Edhis and many others like them. The universities, through their network of alumni and well-wishers, can generate the resources to create programmes that support these efforts. The university can — and perhaps should — be the place where we create next generation of true societal leaders. Not leaders who are driven simply by an ego or a desire to upend the system for personal gains, but leaders who are able to see beyond themselves, and find meaning in taking actual care of others.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2022.

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