Eleven Saint Lucians are headed to Morocco after receiving scholarships to pursue university studies in the North African country.
This year’s cohort comprises one male and 10 females, who will study across eight areas – business management, general medicine, law, agriculture, engineering, biology, chemistry and geology.
“Every year we are inundated with hundreds, if not thousands, of students who want the opportunity, but unfortunately, everybody cannot get in,” Minister for Education Shawn Edward said during a meeting with the scholarship recipients, where he offered congratulations, encouragement and words of caution.
Getting candid with the students, Edward continued, “…You are making a sacrifice. It will not be a walk in the park. There will be moments and days when you will be challenged. There will be days and moments when you will question yourself: ‘Did I make the right decision to come here?’ You may start thinking, ‘Maybe I should go home,’ or ‘Maybe I should give up.’ Any student who leaves Saint Lucia to study abroad and never encounters a moment where they question whether they made the right decision, something is wrong.”
Although the recipients’ names remain undisclosed, Edward acknowledged their academic ability while cautioning them to remain grounded.
“I know you are bright people. When we look at the applications, your academic records are very impressive. But remember, there must always be room for humility,” he said, referencing past instances where scholarship recipients lost sight of their roots.
“This education you are about to receive in Morocco will serve you in good stead as young professionals when you return to Saint Lucia.”
Scholarships to study in Morocco are made available to Saint Lucians through the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco’s Academic Cooperation Programme with the Moroccan International Cooperation Agency (AMCI). The programme allows students to pursue studies at Moroccan public universities, higher education institutions, and vocational training centres, with opportunities extending up to the doctoral level.
During the meeting, Edward also expressed gratitude to the Moroccan government.
“Now is an opportune time for me to register our most profound gratitude to the government and people of Morocco for once again coming to the fore by making higher educational opportunities available to the young people of Saint Lucia who want to pursue certain careers and realise their dreams,” he said.
The 11 scholarship recipients are expected to depart for Morocco by the end of November.
Congratulations to all
I hope they won’t be disappointed. There have been horror stories from past scholars: Stipends not arriving on time, no follow- up by the government and intense racism and absolute disregard and fispesct towards them. If there education system were that good why is it then that so Morrocan students find their way to France for higher education?
The truth shall set you free; How many students complete these courses? What is the success rate in the second year? how much support do these students receive from both Governments?
I’ve heard rumours, just saying, especially the young ladies, parents do your research. Speak the truth: the female harassment over there is terrible and they are very prejudiced. Just saying, do your research, everything that’s free has a price to be paid.
First of all, congratulations to the recipients of these scholarships!
I am a Moroccan American university educator and I have also lived the experience and educational journey in a foreign country that these students are about to embark on. However, and unlike these bright students, I was not the recipient of a scholarship and I had to work my way through college.
Last year, I had the opportunity to visit UM6P in Ben Guerir (Morocco) and I can tell you that it is a top notch university and these students will get top notch education there. Other Moroccan universities are not that far removed from the high standards that UM6P campuses are setting for the country’s system of higher education.
Moroccans are a friendly people and are open to all other peoples of the world regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion. Of course there are always racist and ignorant people everywhere, but that’s not the case with the vast vast majority of Moroccans.
To the students going to Morocco, Do not let fear and prejudice stop you. Do not let difficulties along the way discourage you and keep you from achieving your dreams. Keep reaching for the stars because you are all stars and you’ll shine bright.