Chevening Scholarships: 16 Cameroonians en route to UK

The Yaounde residence of the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, His Excellency, Brian Olley, on Friday, September 3, 2015, night witnessed an unprecedented turnout of Cameroonians despite a downpour.

The event was a send forth party organised by the host to honour 16 Cameroonians who were selected for the 2016 fully-funded British Chevening Scholarships.

Brian Olley began his welcome words by stressing that education was the most powerful tool for change. He expressed delight at Cameroon’s grasping of 16 places for the most prestigious scholarship for the first time.

The country is seeking skilled human resources to help develop its economy to sustainable growth and the UK’s support was also on this framework. The UK diplomat recalled that the programme has helped and will continue to offer a unique opportunity to Cameroonians who remain future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers to develop professionally and academically.

They are equally allowed to network extensively as well as experience UK culture. In so doing, they build lasting positive relationships with the UK. Brian Olley rejoiced at how the country has come of age when only two Cameroonians were selected for the prestigious learning scheme to over 16 this year.

The Chevening allumni joined the host in handing over scholarship certificates and bank booklets to the Chevening scholars, three of whom are female.

The scholars are going in for a one-year Master’s degree in subjects like global health, human rights, global energy, sustainable agriculture and food security, public policy and practice, tropical medicine and medical care, terrorism and international crime, information technology, media and international development, public health and science and epidemiology. They are going to study at different outstanding UK Universities.

It was a selection process that went through curiosity, anxiety and patience, Tsafack Almighty, on behalf of the 16 scholars, told guests at the send forth dinner. He pledged the group’s commitment to making the Cameroonian and UK governments proud for having given them the chance to explore their educational desires.

Chevening is the UK government’s international award scheme aimed at developing global leaders. It is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organisations.