(RODNEY BAY, GROS ISLET, SAINT LUCIA – Friday, August 2, 2024) – Thirty-five Saint Lucians are recipients of scholarships this year to study in the Republic of China (Taiwan). This year, there are 26 MOFA scholarship recipients, 6 ICDF scholarship recipients, and 3 public health scholarship recipients.
The Taiwan Scholarship Program in Saint Lucia, which was established in 2007, has become renowned for its significant contributions to the achievements of Saint Lucian students, and has earned a stellar reputation over the years. This year, 112 Saint Lucians applicants competed for the scholarships.
A special awards ceremony was held on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024, at the Finance Administrative Centre at Pointe Seraphine, where the scholarship recipients received their certificates.
Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Peter Chia-Yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, said he was delighted to see the Taiwan Scholarship Program align with Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre and Education Minister Hon. Shawn Edward’s commitment to having one university graduate per household, which aims to transform the lives of families across Saint Lucia.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our colleagues from the Ministry of Education of Saint Lucia for their guidance and leadership, particularly Hon. Minister Shawn Edward, who actively participated in many discussions throughout the process,” said Ambassador Chen. “In the selection process for all scholarships, the priority areas established by the Saint Lucian Ministry of Education are being considered, with the ultimate goal of supporting Saint Lucia’s national development.”
Noting that this is the first year that the public health-related scholarship is being been offered, Ambassador Chen said public health is a key focus area for Taiwan, which has evolved over the past 40 years from disease prevention to enhancing public health services and now fostering the development of the biotechnology industry.
“Through the public health scholarship and sharing Taiwan’s experience in public health, we aim to cultivate more local public health professionals in Saint Lucia and improve the overall health standards of its population,” he said.
Ambassador Chen congratulated the scholarship recipients, noting that they are embarking on an exciting and joyful journey, and that they are now not only students but also representatives of the profound friendship between Taiwan and Saint Lucia.
“We hope that, upon completing your studies, you will return to Saint Lucia and use your knowledge and experience to contribute to your family and your motherland,” Ambassador Chen told the scholarship recipients.
Ambassador Chen also had some encouraging words for those who might be anxious about living and studying in another country with a different culture.
“I understand that some of you may feel nervous,” he acknowledged. “Cultural shock and homesickness are inevitable when stepping out of your comfort zone. Take, for example, language, most of you will be studying Mandarin in Taiwan for the first year, and some may even pursue your degrees in Mandarin. I know this is a challenging task, but trust me, mastering a new language will be one of the most rewarding achievements in your life.”
In his remarks, Hon. Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, thanked the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for remaining steadfast to Saint Lucia’s development. He said the Government of Saint Lucia places a high premium on education and continuously lobbies friendly Governments to provide scholarship opportunities for Saint Lucians to become educated, gain essential experience and make a sound contribution to Saint Lucia’s development.
“We believe that human resource development has to be at the forefront of of our programming as a Government,” Hon. Edward said. “Against that backdrop, we are pushing the mantra of having one university graduate per household. I did not tell you that it will become realizable next year; we will get to the year 2030 and we will not have a university graduate in every household. But in the foreseeable future, Saint Lucia will be positioned in such a way that there will be at least one university graduate per household.”
Hon. Edward urged the scholarship recipients to make the most of the academic opportunities they are being afforded. He explained that hundreds of students apply for various scholarships each year, with many not being as fortunate due to limited scholarships available. Government, he said, will continue to seek out new avenues.
“We are looking to establish scholarships in Brazil and we have just started a pilot with Indonesia,” Hon. Edward stated. “Anywhere in the world where the scholarship opportunities are, we will pursue them vigorously to ensure that we give more young Saint Lucians access to higher education because we know that there is an indispensable role for higher education and training in order for us to move Saint Lucia to where we want it to be.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Althea Emmanuel, Director of Human Resource Development in the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, encouraged the scholarship recipients to immerse themselves in the Taiwanese culture as they embark on their academic journey.
“Taiwan is known for its vibrant culture, welcoming people and innovative spirit,” Emmanuel said. “As scholarship recipients, you will have the chance to experience this firsthand. Participate in cultural activities, explore the beautiful landscape and engage with the local community. These experiences will enrich your academic (journey) and broaden your horizons.”