Meghan Markle Pens a Letter of Support on World Access to Higher Education Day 2019
As the royal patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Meghan Markle wrote a letter of support and encouragement on World Access to Higher Education Day 2019.
Duchess Meghan revealed that she is passionate about "looking at how universities can support access to higher education for those who are most vulnerable—be it refugees or those displaced."
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, takes her royal patronages very seriously, and that includes showing her support on World Access to Higher Education Day 2019.
The duchess wrote a letter for the ACU, of which she is the royal patron, discussing the importance of access to education for all. Meghan has been outspoken about education since she joined the royal family, and is keen to ensure that everyone is able to embark on study, especially if they were previously excluded from the opportunity.
In the new letter, Meghan wrote about "how important it is for all people, regardless of gender or socioeconomic background, to have the opportunity to access this higher education," and this is far from the first time that the duchess has promoted education diversity.
The Times reported in February 2019 that, during a visit to the ACU, Meghan had been shocked to learn of the lack of women and people of color in professorial roles within higher education. The Duchess of Sussex also reportedly supported the campaign to "decolonize the curriculum" and to tackle racism on university campuses.
Read the Duchess of Sussex's World Access to Higher Education Day letter in full:
Today, on World Access to Higher Education Day, we are able to celebrate the vital role that colleges and universities play in society and how important it is for all people, regardless of gender or socioeconomic background, to have the opportunity to access this higher education. The value of this cannot be understated. Because education expands mindsets, and those minds can then expand the scope of the world at large. From a micro to a macro level, it is with education that we see great change.
Earlier this year I met Simon Kiongo from Kenya, who grew up on a small family farm, and traded vegetables as a means of covering tuition costs. It struck me as such a prime example of how so many around the world yearn for education and do whatever they can to afford themselves that opportunity. Now, with support from the ACU, he is doing remarkable cancer research for his country, specifically looking at fertilizers in the food supply and the carcinogenic links that has on community health. Simon is higher education in action.
The ACU highlights journeys to belonging—looking at how universities can support access to higher education for those who are most vulnerable—be it refugees or those displaced. Additionally the ACU continues to create opportunities for those within the university structure—the faculty and staff who require grants to maximize the impact of their research studies, and enabling students to exceed even their own expectations of what they can achieve.
I am proud to be patron of the ACU and all that it stands for, as we champion those seeking a higher education and commit to making this world a better place—together.
HRH The Duchess of Sussex, Patron of the ACU
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