Chevening scholars future of UK-Malawi partnership
British High Commissioner Holly Tett has said recipients of the Chevening scholarship are the future of the partnership between the United Kingdom (UK) and Malawi.
She was speaking on Tuesday at the send-off reception for the 12 recipients of the prestigious Chevening scholarship who are going to do postgraduate studies in the UK for one year.
The High Commissioner said her government would continue to focus on growing the education sector through teacher training, infrastructure development and keeping girls in school.
“Chevening scholars are the future of the UK-Malawi partnership, we are depending on you for the success and growth of the continent, and Malawi going forward,” she said.
Tett appealed to the students to make use of the scholarship to deepen the cultural and education ties between the UK and Malawi.
She further lauded the Malawi government’s commitment on education going by the increased allocation to the budget each financial year.
When they complete their postgraduate education, the 12 Chevening scholarship recipients will join an elite group of alumni in Malawi who include the Chief Secretary Lloyd Muhara and Attorney General Charles Mhango.
“Chevening sets you up in big stead to take up leadership positions in Malawi. It is a way to build connections and life-long relationships. You will be the foundation of the UK-Malawi partnership,” she said.
Apart from the 12 Chevening recipients, 17 Malawians have been selected for the Commonwealth scholarship to pursue PhD studies in various disciplines.
On his part, Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka commended the UK government for the support it gives to Malawi in the sector, especially tertiary education which he said was in tandem with the National Education Sector Plan.
“I am confident that those who have undergone this scholarship have been equipped with knowledge, skills and values. Anyone educated in the UK is hardboiled to face any challenges. Its products are always star performers in their various fields,” he said.
Applications for 2019/20 are now open until November.
