The British High Commission has congratulated and bade farewell to the Sierra Leoneans that were awarded a Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarship place to study their post graduate degrees in the UK.
This is the first year the British High Commission has hosted a combined event for Chevening and Commonwealth scholars. The reception was an opportunity to wish our scholars well before they travel to the UK for their studies.
Scholars spoke to previous Alumni about their experiences, and swapped stories and top tips for how to make the most of their time in the UK and for how when they return to effect change and support development in Sierra Leone.
British High Commissioner Lisa Chesney welcomed the cohort and previous alumni, congratulating their achievements and wishing them well for the year ahead.
She noted the importance of the role of young people to break free from practices that hold back development and commended the dedication of these young scholars to ensure the future of Sierra Leone works for all.
Coordinator for Chevening Alumni Association in Sierra Leone Momo Turay acknowledged the contribution of the UK government in Sierra Leone, saying “The UK through Chevening and nurturing the talent and education of Sierra Leone young people has significantly contributed to the development of Sierra Leone.”
He encouraged the scholars to work hard and come back to serve and be part of the Country’s history. Former Chevening and Commonwealth Alumni include doctors, lawyers, governance experts, environmental specialists, and law enforcement.
Sonnia-Magbe Bu-Baki Jabbi, President of Commonwealth Alumni Association of Sierra Leone, noted the prestige and confidence that comes with every scholarship and how each scholar grows into a ‘force of nature’, becoming the change makers who will shape the future of Sierra Leone.
Chevening is UK Government’s flagship scholarship programme, funded by FCDO and partner organisations. It was established in 1983 and supports about 1,300 scholars from 160 countries and territories each year. Chevening scholarship program now has over 50,000 alumni around the World.
There have been over 150 Chevening scholars and fellows from Sierra Leone since the programme started in 1983. In 2022, Chevening awarded seven scholarships (6 scholars and 1 media fellow) to deserving Sierra Leoneans to study in the UK, and four in 2021.
In 2023, five Sierra Leoneans have been awarded so far to study diverse courses including Energy Law, Environment, Supply food chain, and Trade Law.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) is funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Scholarships support talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required to make a positive impact on the development priorities of their home country.
The CSC awards over 800 scholarships and fellowships for postgraduate study and professional development each year. Over 30,000 Commonwealth scholars and fellows have been funded by the UK government through the CSC since 1959.
