The British government has spent about £600,000 (Rwf 540m) to sponsor Rwandan students for higher education in the United Kingdom, The New Times has learnt.

At an event held to honour this year’s winners of the Chevening Scholarships, the British Ambassador to Rwanda, Nicholas Cannon told The New Times that Britain has so far supported 34 students to further their studies in the UK since 1999.

Ambassador Cannon also explained that the nominations are based on several criteria.

"We have specific qualities we are looking for, but one of them is that the scholar should not only be gearing for his or her benefit as an individual, but also for his or her community,” he said.

They should be motivated to develop a career that will take them to positions of leadership in their own country within 10 years of their scholarship.

The candidate is also required to be committed to networking to find global solutions, be able to use their experience in the UK to benefit themselves, their countries and the UK among others.

Scholars are chosen from NGOs, government and other institutions.

Also in attendance at the event was the State Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Mathias Harebamungu, who commended the British government for their support to the people of Rwanda.

"Sincerely, this support is great mainly because the British government is targeting the country’s potential,” he said.
Harebamungu recognised the British government’s long time support to Rwanda in various fields.

"Our people are aware that the British people and their government have been supportive in so many fields, including health, finance and others.”

This year, three candidates were chosen, they are Diana Mpyisi, Tona Isibo and Thierry Ngoga.

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