The Asian University for Women (AUW) launched a special project titled "Pathways for Promise-2016", under which talented female employees working in different garment factories across the country  will get the opportunity for higher education with financial support from the university.

Kamal Ahmad, the founder of AUW, and Rubana Haq, managing director of Mohammadi Group, also one of the key supporters of the project, inaugurated it at a ceremony held at the AUW yesterday.

Supported by five garments factories-Mohammadi Group, Pou Chen Group, Sunman Group, Ananta Group, and Knit Concerns, the university initially enrolled 22 out of 653 applicants, selected through a written test and an oral interview.

While the undergraduate programme consists of three years of study preceded by a one-year foundation course, the 22 students under this programme will have to take a two-year preparatory course on English, mathematics, computer and critical thinking methods before enrolling in a regular programme with mainstream students; said a university press release.

"The focus on finding talents from among garment workers is a natural progression of AUW's continuing commitment to educate women from all walks of life," said Kamal Ahmed.

While addressing the ceremony, Rubana Haq urged all staff of the AUW to be as generous as possible to these women. 

"Coming to the AUW is like a dream to me," said Sadeka Begun, an incoming student, also a cutting helper at Ananta Group.

"I am very happy and excited after getting the opportunity to achieve higher education in an educational institution like the AUW," she added.

Mentionable, the selected students will receive full financial support from the project for their residence, tuition fees, study materials, health care and other expenses. The participating companies have also agreed to continue paying monthly basic wages to the workers during their study leave.