By Jomo Paul
[www.inewsguyana.com] – Twelve Guyanese scholars and one Surinamese have been selected by the British High Commission where they will be a part of the Chevening Scholarship programme sponsored by the government of the United Kingdom.
Chevening Scholarships in Guyana are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders to pursue one-year Master’s at any UK university, according to its website. It is also stated that a Chevening Scholarship offers financial support along with the opportunity of becoming part of the highly regarded and influential Chevening global network.
British High Commissioner, James Gregory Quinn speaking at a reception for the scholarship awardees on September 09, 2015 noted that the 12 scholars represent a 600% increase in the number of locals being granted the opportunity since the last academic year.
He indicated that the accumulated costs for the scholarships amount to some $110M.
“These scholars will be studying for post graduate qualifications in a variety of topics ranging from health to energy, computing to social education, engineering to water management. And once they have been awarded their degrees we expect them to come back and work for the benefit of Guyana,” said Quinn.
Meanwhile, Gino Persaud, a Former Chevening Scholar, also emphasized that the scholars be driven by moral imperative to “do what is right and return to serve.”
“I believe you already know whether you intend to return to serve Guyana in the short term or in the long term. Whether you will use your skills to contribute towards nation building or whether, like some Chevening Scholars before you, you will use it as a stepping stone to greener pastures,” said Persaud.
Meanwhile, a one of the scholars explained that he was immensely grateful for the scholarship since a Masters was certainly out of his grasp.
“I feel honoured and privileged to receive this opportunity from Her Majesty’s government. To pursue a Masters in the UK is something that was definitely out of my reach financially and to be able to do so has left me extremely thankful,” said Amir Dillawar.
Dillawar, who is pursuing a Masters in Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems, believes that the scholarship is an immense opportunity for Guyanese professionals to take their skills and qualifications to the next level and position them to become active and meaningful contributors to Guyana’s development.
“I would encourage anyone who’s eligible to take the time and submit an application. It’s a bit arduous, but definitely worth it. For me this Scholarship presents not only an opportunity to develop myself, but also to develop Guyana and I personally accept to the challenge issued to us last night to return to this beautiful country and to work hard towards its development,” he said.
