The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has bid farewell to 32 outstanding Sierra Leonean students who have been awarded scholarships to pursue further studies in Russia.

The students, selected to study a wide range of disciplines, including Ph. Ds, master’s degrees, and undergraduate programs, are primarily focused on medicine, with 80% enrolled in medical studies. The event was held at the MTHE Conference Room, New England Ville, Sababu Building, with excitement and pride filling the air.

The scholarship initiative seeks to empower these young scholars with the expertise necessary to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development. As the nation faces critical challenges, particularly in the health sector, this investment in young talent is seen as a strategic step toward bridging the gaps in professional capacities across critical sectors.

In her address, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wuriecongratulated the awardees, expressing optimism about their future contributions. “These scholarships are aligned with sectors critical to Sierra Leone’s development, especially healthcare,” she noted. “It is no secret that our country needs more medical professionals. This investment in our young people is a strategic move to address the current gaps in our health system.” The Minister emphasized that these students are being sent abroad with the expectation that they will return to support Sierra Leone’s progress.

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Dr. Wurie echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of aligning educational opportunities with national needs. “Our partnerships with Russia and other bilateral allies have been deliberate in selecting programs that link directly to our national development priorities,” he said. “By training young professionals in fields such as medicine, engineering, and other technical disciplines, we ensure they return with the skills required to drive our economy forward.”

Beyond the focus on healthcare, Dr Wurie further highlighted the broader strategy of ensuring that Sierra Leone’s youth are prepared for the evolving demands of the labour market. “We’ve conducted a thorough review of the National Development Plan, identifying growth sectors and consulting with public and private industry leaders to determine the skills required for young graduates. This labour market survey will allow us to refine the curricula of our tertiary institutions, ensuring that the skills we are equipping our young people with are aligned with the needs of the labour market,” she explained. She affirmed that these efforts would support the government’s youth employment strategy to create 500,000 job opportunities.

A Personal Story of Triumph

One of the scholarship recipients, Famata Kanneh, shared her emotional journey at the event. A student from Milton Margai Technical University, Famata, recalled how she was in her first year when the government granted her financial aid after matriculation. She tearfully explained how her father, struggling to make ends meet, asked her to collect the money herself. “That moment gave me hope, and today, I stand here, preparing to leave for Russia, grateful for the opportunities this scholarship will open up for me and my family,” she said.

Her story is a testament to the power of education in transforming lives. The support that Famata received from her family and the government underscores the importance of initiatives like these in ensuring that financial hardship is not a barrier to academic success.

The Road Ahead

As the 32 students embark on this life-changing journey, they carry with them the hopes of their families and the expectations of a nation in need of skilled professionals. Dr Wurie urged everyone to take a moment to reflect on the progress made within the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and to continue focusing on giving young people the tools they need for future success. “Our efforts are not only about education; they are about nation-building,” she remarked.

The MTHE remains committed to investing in the youth, supporting the country’s National Development Plan and ensuring that these students can contribute to Sierra Leone’s growth and development when they return.