29 Belizeans Awarded Taiwan Scholarship
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize awarded twenty-nine Belizeans scholarships to study in Taiwan. The scholarships are funded by the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) Scholarship Program and the Taiwan Scholarship Program.Both scholarship programs provide every scholarship recipient a round trip ticket, accommodations, tuition and other fees, including a monthly allowance. This year four of the scholars will be pursuing four-year medical degrees and the other twenty-five students will be pursuing undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. degrees. Once they complete their studies they are required to return to work in Belize. Today, the twenty-nine recipients received their awards from visiting Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. News Five’s Andrea Polanco reports.
Andrea Polanco, Reporting
For the first time in the history of Taiwan scholarships in Belize, the educational awards were handed out by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Twenty-nine Belizeans – the largest cohort of scholars yet- received their awards from the President, in a first-of-its-kind award ceremony in Belize City. President Ing-wen encouraged the students to learn about Taiwan and share Belize’s culture – shouting out Belize’s very own Marie Sharp’s pepper sauce.
Tsai Ing-wen
Tsai Ing-wen, President of Taiwan
“I have no doubt that the education you will receive will immensely benefit your future careers. Furthermore, during your time in Taiwan, you will play an essential role in reducing the distance between our two countries. I hope you will all have the opportunity to not only experience our culture – Taiwanese culture – but to also share wherever you go, a bit of Belize, as well. Taiwan is a multi-cultural and we want to have a little more of Belize. And especially, I hope I pronounce this right, it is called Marie Sharp’s Belizean Heat [laughs]. I hope this would become part of our cultural tapestry.”
The scholarship program was launched in 1998 and since then more than two hundred and forty-five Belizeans have been educated in Taiwan. This educational assistance, according to Minister Wilfred Elrington, is invaluable to Belize’s development.
Wilfred Elrington
Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“As a tiny developing country, Belize is perennially challenged by a severe deficit of intellectual capital and skilled technical and vocational personnel. Our government is fully aware that education is a pre-requisite for national development. It is a crucial means for adapting to and directing change, reducing poverty, ensuring security, improving health and well-being, enhancing economic prosperity, promoting fairness, justice and peace, and achieving environmental security. It is fundamental in democratic values and good governance.”
Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize Charles Liu says that this opportunity will expose the students to a wealth of knowledge and experiences.
Charles Liu
Charles Liu, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize
“Taiwanese scholarship is the key to open your region to the world. It is also the key to open technology, skills, and knowledge. I encourage you to study harder and bring whatever is need for Belize. Taiwan wants to share with you our best technology, our best skills, our best knowledge, so that after your studies you can utilize what you’ve learned in Taiwan to serve your country, to serve your people, to make Belize a better country for yourself and for your people.”
Reporting for News Five, I’m Andrea Polanco.
