On 19 September, 2024 Commonwealth Scholars from Sierra Leone joined fellow 2024 Chevening Scholars at a pre-departure reception hosted by the British High Commission in Sierra Leone.
The new British High Commissioner, Josephine Gauld, hosted the event, her first public event since taking up office. Over 40 guests from both scholarship programmes were in attendance, including 2024 scholars, alumni and representatives of the Commonwealth and Chevening Scholarship alumni associations.
The event provided an opportunity to understand the ways in which Commonwealth and Chevening Alumni have positively contributed to Sierra Leone through their UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) funded scholarships, and the impact new scholars hope to make following their studies.
During the reception, alumni shared their experiences of studying in the UK and provided new scholars with tips for how to make the most of their time in the UK and ways to effect change and support development in Sierra Leone on their return.
Josephine noted the importance of the role of young people to break free from practices that hold back development and commended the dedication of these scholars to ensure the future of Sierra Leone works for all.
Alhaji Abu Komeh, President of the Commonwealth Alumni Association of Sierra Leone and 2011 Commonwealth Scholar, noted the prestige and confidence that comes with every scholarship and how each scholar grows into a ‘force of nature’, becoming the change makers who will shape the future of Sierra Leone. Momo Turay, Coordinator of Chevening Alumni Association in Sierra Leone also acknowledged the contribution of the UK government in Sierra Leone.
