The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has disbursed Le 40,725 to support 13 Sierra Leonean students studying in Cuba on scholarship.

The funds were handed over on November 27, 2024, to address ongoing stipend challenges.

Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, emphasized the government’s commitment to human capital development despite financial constraints that sometimes delay disbursements.

She also highlighted the challenges posed by U.S. sanctions on Cuba and proposed that students appoint representatives to receive funds on their behalf.

The students, all pursuing medical degrees, will contribute significantly to Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector.

Dr. Wurie expressed gratitude to the Cuban government for its support in training these future professionals. George A. Dambo, Acting Student Secretary at MTHE, reassured parents and guardians that the Ministry is committed to student welfare and has recently disbursed stipends to students in Venezuela.

Constance Bockarie, from the Cuban Parents Association, thanked the government for its financial assistance and praised the academic achievements of Sierra Leonean students in Cuba, some of whom are specializing in cardiology and orthopedics.

The disbursement reflects the government’s ongoing investment in education, aiming to strengthen Sierra Leone’s human capital and healthcare system.