Egypt awards 16 Ghanaians scholarships

Egypt has awarded scholarships to 16 Ghanaians to pursue vocational and technical educational programmes in that country.

The Egyptian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Monein Taallet, disclosed this when he recently paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister for Education, Hon Rashid Bawa, to congratulate him on his appointment.

The scholarship awards, Mr Taallet explained, are in accordance with Egypt's policy of assistance to Ghanaians, particularly Muslims, with specific emphasis on vocational and technical education.

The envoy called for increased collaboration between his country and the Ministry of Education.

He added that the Egyptian government had in the past been training Imams, who are seen as opinion leaders in various communities. He said Egypt was considering bringing Egyptian scholars into the country to train Imams locally instead of sending them outside the country.

In his response, Hon. Bawa reiterated government's determination to strengthen the country's middle level manpower by equipping vocational and technical institutions to offer worthwhile avenues for brilliant students who do not otherwise get access to any of the nation's universities.

He said this policy will help bridge the gap in educational standards between rural and urban dwellers as well as increase employment opportunities for the youth.

Hon. Bawa said his ministry would endeavour to monitor the performance of all who benefit from Egyptian scholarship to make sure they contribute their quota to the country's development.