416 students receive scholarships from ROC (Taiwan)

Four hundred and sixteen students of primary, secondary and post secondary institutions have received scholarships from the Republic of China (Taiwan).

During a handing over ceremony at the Peace Memorial Hall on Tuesday, November 15, 185 primary school pupils received $400, 174 secondary school students received $800, while 57 post secondary school students were presented with $1,000 each.{{more}}

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Education St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince said the occasion marks another milestone in St Vincent and the Grenadines’ (SVG’s) close diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.

Prince said these relations are crucial for sustainable development and noted that SVG has received support from the Taiwanese government in the form of technical and financial assistance.

In relation to the scholarships, the education minister noted that the monetary allocation has benefited hundreds of Vincentian students over the years and has allowed many “at-risk” students to purchase school supplies, meals and pay transportation costs.

Prince said the programme dovetails with the social outreach programmes provided by the Government through social welfare assistance to needy students and the school feeding programme, with the goal of ensuring that all students are able to achieve their full potential. He encouraged principals, teachers and parents to do all within their power to provide learning opportunities and guidance the students need to excel.

“Teachers have the unique opportunity to support students’ academic and social development at all levels of schooling. Teachers who support students in the learning environment can positively impact their social and academic outcomes which are important for the long-term course of instruction,” he added.

Prince further urged students to acknowledge the opportunities provided for them to access additional funding for their education.

“Education continues to be that vehicle which allows you to excel and gain upward mobility, as you find a route to fill your deficiencies, realize your dreams, meet aspirations and participate fully in the development of your country. You have been given that opportunity by the government and people of China and Taiwan, for which you should be grateful.”

He also reminded students to use the scholarship for its intended purpose.

“The process of education is reciprocal and your commitment and effort to ensuring your goals are realized is your responsibility, having been given the necessary support.”

During remarks at the ceremony, Taiwanese Ambassador His Excellency Baushuan Ger pointed out that during the meeting between Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen last month, Tsai pledged to further increase the number of scholarships and job training opportunities for young Vincentians in Taiwan in the near future.

“High quality human resources are vital to national development! As education doesn’t just benefit each individual, but also every family and the country as a whole, my Government will continue to work very closely with the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines in this field in all levels,” said Ger.

The Taiwan Scholarship was launched in 1998 to assist the financially disadvantaged students in this country. Each year the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) contributes US$100,000 (EC$269,000) to the students selected from the primary, secondary and tertiary schools.

From 1998 to 2016, a total of US$1.9 million (EC$5.1 million) has been used, from which over 7,000 students have benefited.(AS)