Scholarship Recipient Plans Donation to Charity Helping Vulnerable Children in Kashmir

A Worcester law student who has earned a £1,000 scholarship for her excellent performance in her studies says she hopes to donate a portion of it to a charity supporting underprivileged children to access education.

Layla Kousar, 20, who is in the third year of her LLB Law degree at the University of Worcester, received the prestigious Academic Scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement.

“Receiving this makes me incredibly proud, as it represents the hard work, dedication, and discipline I have invested in my education,” said Layla. “Throughout my time at the University of Worcester, I have consistently challenged myself to achieve academic excellence while pursuing other opportunities to develop beyond the classroom.”

The cash element of the Academic Scholarship is for recipients to spend as they wish, and Layla said she had a particular plan for part of her award.

“Having roots in Azad Kashmir, I feel strongly that every child deserves access to education and the opportunity to discover their abilities, pursue their ambitions and shape their own future,” she said.

Layla added: “I hope to donate a portion of my scholarship to Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT), near my home in Azad Kashmir, which supports orphaned and vulnerable children. I would like my contribution to help children continue their education, develop their potential and gain greater opportunities to shape their futures.”

Layla said her time at the University of Worcester had given her many opportunities.

“I’ve been able to apply my knowledge, develop my advocacy skills and gain insight into the legal profession, and the experiences I have had have encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone.”

Layla is studying at the University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2027 in the Daily Mail University Guide 2027, with judges describing a performance that ‘leaves many of the Russell Group in the shade’.

“For me,” said Layla, “success is measured not only by what I achieve for myself, but also by how I use those achievements to create opportunities and make a positive difference to others.”

 The University of Worcester is this year shortlisted for the Outstanding Support for Students in the Times Higher Education Awards for the efforts of staff to raise money for student scholarships and hardship funds.

Professor David Green CBE, DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said: “Every year, thanks to the generosity of alumni, philanthropists and friends of the University, we are able to award academic scholarships to students who perform outstandingly well – typically gaining straight As across their studies. Achieving such excellent results consistently requires dedication, ability and sheer hard work.”

“All of us at the University are very proud of all our scholarship winners who come from across the range of our courses and from many backgrounds,” he added. “Every year this includes scholarship winners who are students who did not particularly excel at school but find that the intellectual and professional challenge of university combined with the expert education provided at Worcester brings out the very best in them.”