‘I am grateful Apple knows the value of investing in girls,’ says Malala Yousafzai

American technology giant Apple on Monday announced that it has teamed up with Malala Fund, the organisation led by Malala Yousafzai, to help more girls get education.

With Apple’s support, Malala Fund hopes to extend its funding programmes to India and Latin America. The organisation’s initial goal is to provide secondary education opportunities to more than 100,000 girls.

“My dream is for every girl to choose her own future,” said Malala Yousafzai in a statement. “Through both their innovations and philanthropy, Apple has helped educate and empower people around the world. I am grateful that Apple knows the value of investing in girls and is joining Malala Fund in the fight to ensure all girls can learn and lead without fear.”

Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company shared Malala Fund’s vision to provide every girl an opportunity to go to school. “Malala is a courageous advocate for equality,” said Cook. “She’s one of the most inspiring figures of our time, and we are honored to help her extend the important work she is doing to empower girls around the world.”

Under Cook's leadership, Apple has emerged as one of the top corporate firms to be actively involved in welfare programmes. In its partnership with Malala Fund, the tech giant will help with technology, curriculum and research into policy changes needed to help girls attend school and complete their education.

Yousafzai, who currently lives in the UK with her family, co-founded Malala Fund with her father, Ziauddin, in 2013. The organisation works in countries where they feel girls miss out on secondary education. Their priority countries are Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and countries housing Syrian refugees.