The Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan is investing US 1 million
dollars per year for the next three (3) years in tertiary education and training for
Vincentians.
This came into being, when the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines and The Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) in Education on Wednesday April 5, at the Foreign
Affairs Conference Room.
The MOU also includes ten (10) more Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarships per
year for the next (3) three years. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador
of the Republic of China on Taiwan, His Excellency Peter Sha Li- Lan said Taiwan
is an example of how investing in education and building the human resources of a country can development and total transformation.
His Excellency encouraged young Vincetians to take up the opportunities for
learning and training.
“I would urge all the students, Vincentian students, whether they are already
studying in Taiwan or whether they are beneficiary of the scholarships I just
mentioned, that we are opening yet another door, seize the opportunity, we will be working alongside with you, we know certainly the benefit of investing in yourself and your education,” Ambassador Lan said.
Minister of Education Hon Curtis King said the MOU is an important milestone for education and training in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and it buttresses the
Government’s ongoing education revolution. Minister King noted that the
education revolution goes beyond providing mere access to education, teacher
training and appointment form a significant component of the initiative.
“From July 2020 to December 31 st 2022, we had appointed over 420 teachers in
that short period of time, to pensionable positions,… from the position of teacher 3 those who would have gone to the teacher division of the St. Vincent and the
Grenadines Community College and successfully completed their training and
those who went on to University to complete their Bachelors and in some cases,
their Masters,” King noted.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves signed the agreement on behalf of the
Government of SVG. The signing ceremony was witnessed by officials from the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tertiary Education and other members
of the Diplomatic Corps.
The Republic of China on Taiwan has over the years been providing Bursary
scholarships to Vincentians students as well as supporting the Youth
Empowerment Service (YES), Support for Education and Training (SET) and
Onsite programmes.