The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) has established the first in a series of D.E.F. Scholarships, this one in partnership with the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) as a special tribute to the renowned South African leader whose birth centenary is being observed in 2018.

The scholarship will be earmarked for a student from a diamond producing country whose chosen post-graduate study will be in a field of interest that meets the needs for improving the quality of life for Africans.

MINDS follows a unique approach to develop Pan-African leaders who have a lived understanding and experience on the continent and who, in turn, can facilitate economic integration and social cohesion.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund was inspired by Nelson Mandela who encouraged D.E.F’s co-founders to tell the world the positive impact Africa’s diamonds were having to build healthy and educated communities on the continent. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Mandela Institute for Development Studies and to continue the legacy of giving back to the very communities where diamonds are found”, says D.E.F president Anna Martin, also senior vice president of GIA.

The UN will be acknowledging and celebrating Nelson Mandela and his impact at the Mandela Peace Summit on the eve of the opening of the UN General Assembly later this month.

Additional D.E.F scholarships will be identified in the coming months, each representing the global impact of the diamond industry.

Pic caption: D.E.F. Co-Founder Dr. Benjamin Chavis with President Nelson Mandela | Mozambique, 2006

Pic courtesy: Diamond Empowerment Fund