Twenty-five Gambian students were yesterday oriented ahead of their four-year study in Taiwan. The students form a special class to study urban planning in Taiwan thanks to the cordial bilateral agreement between The Gambia and Taiwan.
The students, who will be leaving the country on 11 September 2011, were selected by the State House and approved by the National Taipei University of Technology.
The entire process was facilitated by the Taiwanese embassy and supported by the government of Taiwan.
In an address to the students at the embassy grounds, the Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia, Richard Shih, said the special class was initiated by President Jammeh.
“He mentioned to my embassy and government about the importance of capacity building,” said ambassador Shih.
According to the Taiwanese diplomat, prior to this class, there are other special classes from The Gambia in Taiwan while some have in fact returned home.
At the moment, he said, there are some two hundred Gambians studying at various universities and colleges in Taiwan.
Ambassador Shih urged the students to study hard while in Taiwan and avoid involving in any unlawful activities. “Study hard, and come back to develop your country,” he said.
Ms Tisbay Senghore on behalf of the class thanked President Jammeh for the opportunity given them to go for further studies abroad. She also commended the Taiwanese embassy for their support while assuring them of the team’s readiness to perform well in Taiwan.
Meanwhile, the students at the orientation ground were also given their passports with visas as well as tickets and flight itinerary.