CASTRIES – The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) recently expressed its commitment to provide Saint Lucians with opportunities to further their studies, at a ceremony that awarded scholarships to 16 Saint Lucians for study in Taiwan.
Taiwan’s ambassador to Saint Lucia Ray Mou said interest in Taiwan scholarships has increased sharply over the years, making competition for awards intense because of the high quality of candidates from different countries.
“This year we have nine recipients of scholarships and another two ICDF scholarships winners and five medical scholarship winners making a total of sixteen. The number of scholarships has increased from previous years.
“I hope we can have more scholarships; I promise you, I will try to obtain more scholarships in the future. I know you have a new government and I will surely work very hard with your government,” Ambassador Mou said.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, John Calixte, emphasised the importance of the scholarships, and advised recipients to make best use of the opportunity afforded them, and to always aim for excellence.
“This scholarship has afforded all of you an opportunity to realize your dreams. Take it with both hands, and determination and pride, and make that dream become a reality. There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.”
Taiwan Scholarships Alumni as well as students currently pursuing studies in the Asian nation were also on-hand to provide support for the new students.
Saint Lucia has more than 60 students currently studying in Taiwan, and more than 50 have already completed their studies. (PR)
