This year some 22 Gambians including both men and female have won a scholarships to study at various universities across Taiwan.
The scholarships are fully funded by the Taiwanese government through the ICDF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan.
Out of the 22 scholarship recipients, 15 are going for master’s programs while seven are to do bachelor’s programs.
While we congratulate the lucky winners for their achievements, we would like to emphasize that opportunities come and go, but when not well-managed could cause one to live with regrets and, as a result, could deter others from having such opportunities.
It is always regarded as a big achievement to win a scholarship since the process is quite often competitive, but if you have won one, please make use of the opportunity.
The country needs well-informed, trained and experienced citizens and, as a result, it is the responsibility of those chosen to be part of these categories of citizens, to spearhead the overall development of the nation.
Taiwan, you must realize, is a very advanced country, and you should never at any point in time just follow the beauty of the Island, but must focus on your studies.
As you prepare to leave the country today for another life-changing experience, we encourage you while in Taiwan to learn as much as possible, and also try to copy their attitude towards work and patriotism.
You must also note that while in Taiwan any little mistake you make there would reflect back on The Gambia as a country, just like any success you may register in Taiwan.
This reminds us that you should all serve as good ambassadors of the country, and to emulate the good record of those who were already there before you.
To the government and people of Taiwan, we thank you for your magnanimity and true love for our country by offering various scholarships to Gambians.
Indeed, these scholarships and many others offered to the country by the Republic of China on Taiwan, is a clear manifestation of the cordial ties between Banjul and Taipei.
Finally, education is the key to the economic advancement and growth of any country, and when our people are well-educated, perhaps there would soon come a time when we would be in a position to give financial and other aid we now receive from friends like Taiwan.
