The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), under the auspices of the Taiwanese Embassy in Banjul, yesterday, organised a day-long information session for members of the public and private sectors on Taiwan Higher Education Scholarship Programs 2007, at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.

Welcoming the participants to the session, Dr Patrick Chang, Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia, said the ICDF was established by the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to carry out a wide range of assistance for its allied countries.

Ambassador Chang disclosed that Gambian students have been participating in short-term courses and seminars in Taiwan. He informed the gathering that 25 Gambian students are currently undergoing programme in petroleum technology, adding that another 25 Gambian students will leave for IT programmes shortly.

“Already, two other Gambian students have completed their programme and have since returned to serve The Gambia. I hope more civil servants will be sent for similar opportunities,” he said.

Ambassador Chang then elaborated on the close collaboration between his Embassy and the Personal Management Office (PMO), as well as the Department of State for Higher Education and the UTG.

Modou S Njie, Permanent Secretary at PMO, expressed gratitude on behalf President Yahya Jammeh, to the Republic of Taiwan for its valuable contribution to the development of the country. Mr. Njie highlighted Taiwan’s engagements in crucial sectors of the country, including agriculture, health, education, animal husbandry and livestock and micro finance.

He pointed out that the 50 scholarships to be awarded to Gambians will go a long way towards enhancing capacity for the socio-economic development of the country.

He said the scholarships will help to address the capacity gaps in the civil service. He then urged potential recipients to make the best use of the offer.

Joseph Huang, Taiwan ICDF Program Representative, who delivered a presentation in ICDF programmes and its allied universities in Taiwan, said ICDF and Taiwan International Cooperation Alliance (TICA) are the sole sponsors of the scholarship programmes.

Mr. Huang said the programme has a link with 21 universities and it’s open to Taiwan’s friendly and allied nations.

Modou Secka, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Finance, and Kumba Conateh-Nan, acting Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Communication Information and Technology, also attended the session.