2020 has presented numerous challenges to us all. For those involved within the education sector, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is all too well known, with worry and uncertainty looming over academics of all ages and levels. In a time of prolonged uncertainty, the support we receive from others has never been more important.
Founder and chair of trustees at the Aziz Foundation, Asif Aziz has been actively working to provide support to the Education sector at a time when it is needed most. Founded in 2015, the Foundation is a family-based charity that supports the educational pursuits of the most underprivileged and disadvantaged communities across Britain. Currently, the Foundation is engaged in plugging the postgraduate funding gap by awarding British Muslims scholarships to pursue higher education through its Masters’ scholarship programme.
Through continued development and education, the programme equips its scholars with the skills and social capital they require to achieve their full potential to inspire positive change within their communities. The impact of this programme is clear, with the COVID-19 pandemic seeing over thirty Aziz Foundation scholars being on the frontlines as keyworkers or in support roles such as counselling, community relief work and policy development. What is clear from this past year is that the Aziz Foundation have never been busier. Asif Aziz said: ‘To date, the Aziz Foundation has funded over 350 British Muslim changemakers, with 200 of these awards being allocated in the 2020-21 academic year.’
Whilst 2020 is coming to an end, the pandemic continues to have a detrimental impact on British society, with its impact on the Education sector continuing to be unknown. However, despite the uncertainty, the Aziz Foundation will continue to support individuals and communities through its scholarships programme. For more information about the Aziz Foundation and the accomplishments of its scholars, visit the Aziz Foundation Twitter page. Find out more about the founder, Asif Aziz on the charity website.
Asif Aziz is a London-based entrepreneur and philanthropist. As well as founding the Aziz Foundation, Asif Aziz also has a deep routed passion for property and in 2005, set up Criterion Capital. They are the largest landowner in the Piccadilly Circus – Leicester Square corridor and include some of the West Ends most iconic properties including The London Trocadero.