By: Cyril Barnes
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Her Excellency Haja Ishata Thomas has engaged the Administrative Coordinator of the Ministry of Education (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs on securing Scholarship opportunities for deserving Sierra Leoneans intending to pursue tertiary education in various fields of study in the State of Kuwait.
In a meeting held in the Embassy’s Conference Hall, Her Excellency Haja Ishata Thomas said she was pleased to have the Ministry’s Administrative Coordinator at the Embassy to discuss on scholarship opportunities and other development assistance for the Republic of Sierra Leone. She raised concern over Sierra Leone’s exclusion in the basket of scholarship opportunities provided for other countries.
In actualizing His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s Flagship programme aimed at providing free and quality education for all Sierra Leoneans, Ambassador Thomas disclosed that Sierra Leone and the State of Kuwait have signed Education Agreement, awaiting ratification.
“We hold this meeting to have an extensive discussion on scholarship spaces and the necessary requirements in securing those opportunities for Sierra Leoneans, who intend to further their studies in the State of Kuwait. We hope also to explore other areas that Awqaf will assist Sierra Leone in complementing its development activities,” Her Excellency stated.
On the training of Imams, Her Excellency recalled that Kuwait was offering training for Imams in Kuwait, but ceased its operation during the Ebola Scourge in Sierra Leone. She asked about workable ways to revive the training of Imams.
In his response, the Administrative Coordinator of Awqaf, Mohammed Ali Abdullah assured of his institution’s support in providing scholarship spaces for Sierra Leoneans to study in the State of Kuwait. He also promised to facilitate the training of Imam in Freetown when the training session commences.
“The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs provides scholarship opportunities for over 40 countries yearly; unfortunately, Sierra Leone has not been benefiting from those opportunities. With keen regard to university scholarship, I advise the Embassy to sign an agreement with the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide a specific quota for Sierra Leone,” Mohammed Ali Abdullah remarked.
Quizzed about other possible development benefits for Sierra Leone, the Administrative Coordinator added that the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs also provides support in the construction of schools, hospitals, mosques including the promotion of Islamic science and technology, humanitarian aid after natural disasters through any charitable organization accredited by the Kuwait Foreign Ministry. He welcomed the idea of supporting Sierra Leone in other areas.