By Esther Lauaki
A scholarship for students experiencing financial hardship has been established in honour of an international student killed in Bundoora on her way home.
Aiia Maasarwe, a 21-year-old Palestinian woman with Israeli citizenship, was murdered in Bundoora in January after stepping off a tram from a night out.
The state government and La Trobe University, where she studied, announced last week that the Aiia Maasarwe Memorial Scholarship would be open to local or international students.
It would cover course fees, provide an annual stipend and will be open to students undertaking an undergraduate degree or PhD students undertaking research to address the safety of women and girls.
La Trobe University vice chancellor John Dewar said it was an honour to deliver the initiative in partnership with the state government.
“The life-changing power of education was very important to Aiia and to her family,” Professor Dewar said.
“This scholarship will create new opportunities and leave long-lasting benefits for generations of young people.
“The La Trobe community will always remember Aiia as an intelligent, warm and generous student.”
The annual scholarship will be funded through a $700,000 one-off contribution from the government and La Trobe University covering course fees, equivalent of up to $660,000.
Members of the Maasarwe family met with representatives from La Trobe University and Premier Daniel Andrews to finalise arrangements for the scholarship.
Mr Andrews said the scholarship was consistent with the wishes of Aiia’s family.
“Victorians were united in sadness at Aiia’s death,” he said.
“This scholarship is a small way that we can remember Aiia, the promise she had and the inspiration she has provided to improve our world.”
There was a public outpouring of grief for Aiia and support for the Maasarwe family including students and staff at La Trobe University holding a vigil to honour Aiia, with community vigils also held at Parliament House and on the number 86 tram route.
