3 GAF personnel gain Taiwan Defence Scholarship

One major and two cadet officers of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) were yesterday awarded scholarships to undergo military training in Taiwan.

The scholarship certificates were presented to the beneficiaries at a ceremony held at the Taiwanese Embassy in Bakau.

The recipients of the Taiwan Defence Scholarship Program 2012 are major Binta Badjie, cadet officer Ensa Bajo and cadet officer Mbemba Jarju.

The major will be going for one-and-half year Army Command and Staff College course at the National Defence University of Taiwan, while the cadet officers will be attending a four-year six-month bachelor degree course at Army Academy, Taiwan.

Speaking on the occasion, Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia H.E. Samuel Chen congratulated the awardees for being chosen among the lot.

“You are chosen because your country needs you and your superiors have confidence in you,” he said.

He urged the students to make the best use of their stay in Taiwan by studying hard and equally learn the language and culture.

He used the opportunity to register thanks to The Gambia Government for the excellent bilateral cooperation that exists between the two countries.

“Today’s event is once again another commitment of our resolve in working with The Gambia in her development endeavours,” he remarked.

For his part, the deputy Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General Ousman Badjie, acknowledges the continuing support of Taiwan to the development of The Gambia, particularly in human resources development.

The scholarship would help GAF to build it required capacity and to march with international standard, he said, adding: “We are all aware of the continued donation of Taiwan to The Gambia.”

He also extolled the students to work hard while in Taiwan, saying that before them many sent there did well.

“We expect you to be good ambassadors of GAF and the nation as a whole throughout your stay in Taiwan,” the Army General said. “You must strive for excellence and respect cultural diversity.”

In their vote of thanks, major Binta Badjie and cadet officer Ensa Bajo thanked the GAF for the confidence reposed on them by giving them the opportunity to go for further studies.

The scholarship beneficiaries promised to live up to expectations while in Taiwan.

“I feel honoured being the 1st female officer to go on such a long-term course in Taiwan,” said major Badjie.

The award ceremony, attended by the director general of GAF, General Ebrima Bah, and Saikou Sekan of the Joint Operation Centre, ended with a farewell party in honour of the awardees.

The goal of the Taiwan Defence Scholarship Programme is to develop human resource as well as cultivate and promote military cooperation and ties between Taiwan and its allies.