Eleven more Dominican students have been awarded scholarships to pursue studies in Cuban Universities.
A total of eight students who will form part of the undergraduate program signed contracts at a ceremony held this week, while the three other students forming part of the post-graduate program will have the opportunity to sign their contracts later.
“This year the scholarships awarded to our students will prepare them to improve their livelihood to make a valuable contribution to the development of our local economy,” Education Minister Octavia Alfred said.
She continued, “This investment in our nation’s human resource development is a clear indication of the commitment of the Cuban government to the relationship between the two countries, Cuba and Dominica.”
According to Alfred, the Government of Dominica looks forward to continuing to build this already strong link that is well-established between our countries.
She urged students to make the best of this opportunity.
“Students you are fortunate to benefit from these scholarships,” Alfred stated. “Do not squander the chance that has been given to you to make a success of your life and ultimately contribute to nation building.”
She went on to state that students will receive the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and to “understand and experience” a diverse culture, tradition, and language.
“It means that you will be trained to be a global citizen, able to function and excel in a globalized environment,” Alfred noted.
Meantime, Alfred said in an age when Dominica is challenged by successive disasters it becomes even more urgent to empower the youth with new skills and new knowledge to take on the challenges of their world.
“At this stage of Dominica’s development and the pace at which we are progressing as a small country, education to respond to the needs of our new policies and projects remains a major priority as we seek to elevate the lives of our people,” she noted.
Therefore, she said the government will continue to invest in students and the continued investment of the Cuban government and the people in the development of human resources must be “acknowledged” and “highly appreciated.”
Presently 64 Dominican students are pursuing studies in Cuban Universities.
Adding 11 students to the 64 Dominican students presently pursuing studies in Cuban Universities, gives an impressive total of 75 students.
If only just a few of those students were pursuing subjects related to all aspects of the creative arts, we might stand a better chance of “elevating the lives of our people”.
Man does not live by bread alone…
DNO… under what field of studies were these scholarships awarded?
Most of the article was regurgitation of what the minister said but left out the most pertinent bit of information. Frankly, I have little interest in hearing or reading what these guys spew. Just give us the facts please.
Mark you, their minds have already made up. “Give me all you education for me to go to America, England or Canada. All you have nothing for me anyway. And I am not coming back to Dominica to join the NEP force pulling and weeding grass.”