22 Gambian Students Awarded Scholarships to Study in Taiwan

At least 22 more Gambian students have been awarded scholarship to pursue higher education in Taiwan as part of the Asian island nation's 2013 scholarship package. Out of the 22 recipients, 17 got the Taiwan International Cooperation Development Fund (ICDF) scholarship with the remaining five awarded with the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Scholarship.

The scholarship includes 15 Masters Programmes and seven Bachelor Programmes.

An orientation ceremony was organised for the students Wednesday by the Taiwanese Embassy at the Taiwan Culture Centre at the Gambia National Petroleum Company (GNPC) building along the Bertil Harding Highway in Fajara.

The ceremony also saw the presentation of certificates and the award package that included e-ticket and visa, by the Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia, His Excellency Samuel Chen. Also present at the ceremony were the president of the Taiwan Alumni Association, Kumba Conateh and the secretary general, Sadibou Jammeh.

Given the leadership stronger commitment to education, The Gambia is said to be the biggest beneficiary of Taiwan's scholarship among all its allies. "Notably, it is not the first time for this true ally of Taiwan to get the special honuor," Ambassador Chen said, while noting that all the 22 students will stay in Taiwan for a period of 2-5 years to complete their studies. The students are expected to leave for Taiwan in two batches on 21st August and 1st September respectively.