The Education Ministry of the Commonwealth of Dominica, has released the list of ten more Dominican students, who have been granted the opportunity to pursue university education via the Chinese Government Scholarship Program. 6 of the students received their letters at the ceremony held at the Fort Young Hotel on Thursday.
According to the announcement, Ariel Rogers, Cliston Belleau, Jedidiah Ferrol, Kenan Lokey Niyyat T.L Muhammad and Valerian Philogene. They will join four other students who are currently in China pursuing their master’s degree.
Noting to the statement shared by the Education Minister Octavia Alfred, while addressing the ceremony, “I am gratified to take part in the handing over ceremony that will give 10 more of our students the opportunity to further their studies in China.”
She further highlighted how significant this gift of education is as in an age of advancing knowledge and unprecedented progress in technology, learned people are important for ensuring the individual development, economic growth and sustainability.
Minister Alfred added that, “In an age where we are challenged by the successive disasters, challenges of climate change and much global economic challenges brought on by the global imbalances, Ukraine war, global health crises, lingering supply chain constraints, and shrinking economies, it becomes even more urgent to empower our youth with new skills and new knowledge to take on the challenges of their world.”
She further mentioned that, education remains a major priority for the government of Dominica as it is looking to elevate the lives of people of Dominica. Therefore, the continued investment of the Government of the People’s Republic of China in the development of the Dominica’s human resources must be acknowledged and highly appreciated. She noted that five students will pursue studies in the field of computer skills and technology, three in several fields of health and medicine and two in architecture.
“These investments in our country’s human resource development is a clear sign of the commitment of the Government of People’s Republic of China to the relationship between our two nations, we look forward to continuing to build strong links that are well established between the two nations,” says Minister Alfred.
At the same time, the Ambassador of China to Dominica, Lin Xianjiang said that, “170 Dominican students have been given the chance to study in China since the establishment of the diplomatic relations in 2004. And this year another 10 students have been awarded a scholarship. Another 4 of them are already in China.”
He encourages students to take time out to explore the beauty of China and to share their experience with family and friends.
Ambassador Lin Xianjiang went on to state that the studies pursued by the students are vital in the transition and development of Dominica. “You will be the backbone of your country,” he said. “Keep working hard…”
He continued saying that, “I hope you can be ambassadors of good-will between the two countries.”
