By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The Irish Embassy in Sierra Leone, under the leadership of Ambassador Aidan Fitzpatrick, recently hosted a farewell dinner to honour ten Sierra Leoneans selected to pursue Master’s degrees in Ireland for the 2024-2025 academic year. The event, held at the Sierra Palms Hotel, was attended by the fellows, members of the Embassy, and other distinguished guests.
During the ceremony, Josephus J. Ellie, Senior Governance Advisor at the Embassy of Ireland, detailed the rigorous selection process that began last year with over 400 applicants. “The process was open and transparent,” Ellie said, adding that the best candidates were chosen to represent Sierra Leone on this prestigious platform.
The scholarship program, in operation since 2014, provides full financial support to successful candidates to pursue master’s degrees in fields that will enhance their professional careers. “This support is part of the deepening bilateral relationship between Ireland and Sierra Leone and aims to enhance Sierra Leone’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the Embassy stated in a press release. The initiative aligns with the Sierra Leone government’s “Big Five” agenda, particularly in the areas of human capital development and civil service reform.
This year’s cohort includes nine civil servants and one NGO representative. Four candidates will pursue studies in the health sector, focusing on global health, global mental health, and international healthcare management. Three will pursue master’s degrees in law (LLM), with a focus on international justice, human rights law, and public policy. The remaining three candidates will specialize in economics and finance.
After completing their studies, these professionals will return to Sierra Leone, where they will continue contributing to the country’s development. “These ten will join the ranks of Sierra Leonean professionals who have studied in Ireland under this scholarship program over the past decade,” the press statement highlighted.
Ambassador Fitzpatrick congratulated the scholars and wished them a productive and enjoyable year in Ireland. He emphasized Ireland’s vibrant tertiary education system, noting that the country has one of the highest third-level education attainment rates globally. In 2023, Ireland led Europe with almost 47% of those aged 15 to 64 holding a degree.
This year, a total of 243 students from 48 countries will be supported by the Irish Government to study at the Master’s level in Ireland. With the inclusion of the ten Sierra Leonean scholars, Sierra Leone is well-represented, reflecting the high calibre of candidates from the country. Ireland has been providing scholarships to partner countries for the past 45 years.
The Ambassador also welcomed members of the newly formed Sierra Leone Ireland Alumni group at the event. He praised their efforts in supporting future scholars and strengthening the academic, cultural, and trade links between Ireland and Sierra Leone. Alumni President Hassan Kallon described the scholarship as a “fantastic and life-changing opportunity,” encouraging the new scholars to make the most of their experience and make Sierra Leone proud.
The application process for the 2025-2026 academic year has recently closed, but the Embassy assured continued support for the scholarship program in the coming years. MJB/26/8/2024
