By: Saidu Jalloh
Algeria has announced the availability of 12 new scholarships for Sierra Leonean students, providing a significant boost to the educational and cultural ties between the two nations.
The Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Sierra Leone, H.E. Hachem Abdelhafid, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, to formally offer 10 undergraduate and two vocational training scholarships to Sierra Leonean students.
In her welcome address, Dr. Wurie expressed deep appreciation for the Ambassador’s gesture, describing the renewed scholarship offer as a timely opportunity that aligns with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Human Capital Development (HCD) agenda. She emphasized the importance of educational and cultural exchanges and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to facilitating the process.
Ambassador Abdelhafid, noting that the Algerian Embassy in Freetown had only recently opened four months ago, explained that Algeria is reviving its scholarship program for Sierra Leonean students after a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He shared that the scholarships cover various fields, including science, technology, medicine, mathematics, and architecture.
He further requested the Ministry to nominate at least 15 candidates, from which 12 will be selected based on academic merit. For programs requiring French language proficiency, Algeria offers free French language courses lasting between six months and one year.
In response to an inquiry from Dr. Wurie regarding provisions for students with disabilities, the Ambassador assured that Algeria’s universities are generally accessible and that such students are welcome, provided they meet the entry requirements.
Dr. Wurie thanked the Algerian delegation for the swift engagement and expressed interest in exploring long-term partnerships, including staff exchanges, joint research, and institutional collaborations between higher education institutions in Sierra Leone and Algeria.
