11 Saint Lucians receive scholarships to study in Morocco

Eleven Saint Lucians are headed to Morocco after receiving scholarships to pursue university studies in the North African country. This year’s cohort comprises one male and 10 females, who will study across eight areas – business management, general medicine, law, agriculture, engineering, biology, chemistry and geology.

“Every year we are inundated with hundreds, if not thousands, of students who want the opportunity, but unfortunately, everybody cannot get in,” Minister for Education Shawn Edward said during a meeting with the scholarship recipients, where he offered congratulations, encouragement and words of caution.

Getting candid with the students, Edward continued, “…You are making a sacrifice. It will not be a walk in the park. There will be moments and days when you will be challenged. There will be days and moments when you will question yourself: ‘Did I make the right decision to come here?’ You may start thinking, ‘Maybe I should go home,’ or ‘Maybe I should give up.’ Any student who leaves Saint Lucia to study abroad and never encounters a moment where they question whether they made the right decision, something is wrong.”

Although the recipients’ names remain undisclosed, Edward acknowledged their academic ability while cautioning them to remain grounded.

“I know you are bright people. When we look at the applications, your academic records are very impressive. But remember, there must always be room for humility,” he said, referencing past instances where scholarship recipients lost sight of their roots.

“This education you are about to receive in Morocco will serve you in good stead as young professionals when you return to Saint Lucia.”  

Scholarships to study in Morocco are made available to Saint Lucians through the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco’s Academic Cooperation Programme with the Moroccan International Cooperation Agency (AMCI). The programme allows students to pursue studies at Moroccan public universities, higher education institutions, and vocational training centres, with opportunities extending up to the doctoral level.

Ten of the eleven recipients of scholarships to study in Morocco. (Photo Credit: Screengrab from a Ministry of Education video)

During the meeting, Edward also expressed gratitude to the Moroccan government.

“Now is an opportune time for me to register our most profound gratitude to the government and people of Morocco for once again coming to the fore by making higher educational opportunities available to the young people of Saint Lucia who want to pursue certain careers and realise their dreams,” he said.

The 11 scholarship recipients are expected to depart for Morocco by the end of November.

By Keryn Nelson

Ten of the eleven recipients of scholarships to study in Morocco appear alongside staff of the Ministry of Education. (Photo Credit: Screengrab from a Ministry of Education video)