Meghan is supporting the ACU, one of her royal patronages
Meghan Markle tells the young people across the world that they are an “incredible asset” who have a “vision and ambition for positive change.”
The Duchess of Sussex says she feels inspired by them, as they often struggle to reach school or university because of physical and social barriers.
Embracing one of her new royal roles roles – the ACU, which fosters greater links between students and higher education institutions across the Commonwealth of 53 nations – she has written a supportive open letter to welcome a new strategy.
Meghan, 37, who attended Northwestern University, says: “The experience of attending university allows students to graduate into the world with the social skills and intellectual prowess that will set them up for greater success; that happens not simply on a micro level in their own lives, but on a macro level.”
“The choices they make and challenges they endeavor to overcome create deep and meaningful global impact,” she adds.
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Many young people in some of the 53 countries of the Commonwealth find the opportunity to get to school “out of reach.” Last month, in Morocco, she and husband Prince Harry spent a day highlighting the efforts being made to encourage girls into – and stay in – education.
“Whether it is cost prohibitive or that the cultural stigma in their specific community restricts their ability to attend by virtue of their gender, race, or creed – the ACU seeks to break through these boundaries and enable all curious minds the opportunity to whet their appetites for the experiential value of higher learning,” the royal mom-to-be writes.
And she adds, “I am inspired by the students of today, by their vision and ambition for positive change, and by their understanding of the powerful role higher education can play to create a brighter future. The Commonwealth’s young people are an incredible asset, and it is vital that we invest in them.”
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She was writing in support of The Road To 2030 which was launched by the ACU on March 15. The mission statement says that they will champion the power of higher education to improve lives, support the long-term vitality of universities, engage and connect universities across borders and promote collaboration among them, deliver educational opportunities that make a positive and lasting difference and uphold the ACU’s reputation for excellence and demonstrate its impact.
Meghan, who is around eight months pregnant, has most likely completed her official public duties but is continuing with private engagements and other behind-the-scenes meetings before heading off on maternity leave soon.