British Embassy in Kinshasa marks the 30th anniversary of Chevening Scholarships
The Embassy hosted a press conference to mark this anniversary and to congratulate the latest scholar from the DRC, Dr Didier Bakajika.
Dr Didier Bakajika receiving his Chevening certificate from Ambassador Diane Corner
The British Embassy in Kinshasa on 28 August 2013 marked the 30th anniversary of the Chevening Scholarship Programme. The programme was launched in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international scheme, attracting a wealth of high calibre applicants from all around the world.
The Embassy hosted a press conference to mark this important milestone and to congratulate the latest scholar from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr Didier Bakajika, who will start his studies at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine next month.
The Ambassador Diane Corner said:
“The Chevening Scholarship, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is a prestigious scheme funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and implemented by the Association of Commonwealth Universities. The programme aims to identify future leaders in order for them to form part of a long-term network of the friends of the UK.”
“This year we are privileged to introduce to you Dr Bakajika who will be doing an MSc in Biology and Control of Parasites of Disease Vectors.”
The Chevening programme has so far sent 36 Congolese scholars to study in the UK. Many of these have gone on to reach positions of influence in a range of sectors: some in the energy, medical and political fields, including a previous DRC Minister for Culture and the Arts.
Notes for Editors
Chevening Scholarships are the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded mainly by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The programme makes awards to outstanding scholars with leadership potential from around the world to study postgraduate courses at higher education institutions in the UK. The programme was named after Chevening House, the country residence of the British Foreign Secretary.
The Chevening programme began in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international scheme. Chevening Scholars come from over 120 countries worldwide (excluding the USA and the EU), and 600 scholarships were awarded in 2013-2014. There are over 42,000 Chevening alumni around the world who together comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.
The scholarship programme provides full or part funding for full-time courses at postgraduate level, normally a one year Master’s degree. For more information see: www.chevening.org