The Alumna Clara Calderó receives 'la Caixa' scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies in London

Calderó will do a master's degree in Violence, Conflict and Development at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London.

At an event held at the Caixaforum in Madrid, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia officially awarded the scholarships. Also present were the Minister of Education of the Government of Spain in office, Isabel Celaá; the Chairman of 'la Caixa' Banking Foundation, Isidre Fainé; and the general director of the 'la Caixa' Banking Foundation, Jaume Giró.

The Alumna, who specialized in Foreign Policy and the European Union, has had stays in Jordan as a research fellow of the International Institute for Non-Violent Action and as a fellow of the Euro-Mediterranean Policy Department of the European Institute of the Mediterranean. Since the second year of her degree she has volunteered in refugee camps in Greece and France and has taken courses in Amman (Jordan) and Cairo (Egypt) on issues of humanitarian protection and forced displacement in the Middle East. "The idea of ​​volunteering is that you go there to help and contribute to others, but in reality, I have always had the feeling that you are the one who learns the most from the experience, the situation and the people," she said in declarations to El Mundo.

Responsibility for the future

The ceremony, which had a strong social character, gave clear messages encouraging the young people to use their talent and commitment to achieve greater social equality.

"I ask you to correspond to this act of generosity from 'la Caixa' with you being equally generous, ensuring that this effort reverts to our country and our society," said Felipe VI. "We have full confidence in leaving our future in their hands for two reasons: the curiosity and diversity of their interests and their talent", said Fainé in relation to the winners.

Congratulations, Clara!