Mvita MP Mohamed Machele [4th R],
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Indonesian ambassador to Kenya
Witjaksono Adji at the Governor’s official residence in Kizingo, Mombasa on Tuesday
/ BRIAN OTIENO
Some 28 Kenyan
students have successfully obtained Indonesia AID scholarships to study in
Indonesian universities, out of which 17 came from Mombasa.
Indonesian ambassador to Kenya Witjaksono Adji
said this was made possible by the active support of the Mombasa county
government.
“The department of education and the entire team
who had provided strong recommendations and also guidance to the applicants,”
Adji said.
The program selects potential candidates from the
country through a competitive selection criterion.
Speaking during a lunch reception at the official
Mombasa Governor Residence in Kizingo on Tuesday, Adji said last year there
were only 19 students from Kenya who got the scholarships and only four came
from Mombasa.
“Clearly, Mombasa has made remarkable progress. I
think this is in line with the spirit, the conviction, the priority of the
Governor in education,” the envoy said.
He said this is exactly the vision of the
Indonesia AID when it launched the scholarship program last year, which is to
support governments across 25 partner countries in developing their human
resources so as to advance together.
“We hope to see these students and the scholars
grow into experts in their own fields and to become future leaders who will
contribute to the development of this great county and this great nation,” Adji
said.
He said Indonesia has always stood with countries
in the global south in the spirit of solidarity and shared progress.
“This principle goes way back to 1955 when
Indonesia co-hosted the Asia-Africa Conference in the city of Bandung, where
some of you will be studying,” he told the scholarship awardees.
He said that history conference became a
foundation for many African nations in their journey towards independence.
“Today, the same spirit continues to guide
Indonesia and Indonesia’s cooperation with fellow developing nations, including
Kenya, as we walk together towards a more prosperous future,” the envoy said.
He believes the future if Kenya and Indonesia
relations lies in the hands of students and younger generations.
“Beyond your personal academic journey, this
scholarship carries wider significance. It serves as a bridge between our two
nations, strengthening people-to-people connections and deepening mutual
understanding,” Adji said.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir asked the
awardees to be united and be each other’s keepers when they get to Indonesia.
He said they will be Kenyan ambassadors in
Indonesia.
“Remember, what you do will echo back home. That
will determine whether we will try and see the possibility of increasing these
opportunities to many other aspects as well,” Nassir said.
The governor said the scholarship program is more
than a milestone for the students.
“It is an investment in Mombasa’s future,” he
said.
“When they return, they will do so equipped with
new skills, knowledge, and perspectives to drive our county forward.”
Grace Magiri, a beneficiary going to pursue
nursing, welcomed the opportunity as she has been passionate about medical
studies since her childhood.
“I have always wanted to study nursing, and this
scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for me to make my family proud,” Magiri
said.
Faridah Shee, from Old Town, said that she was
introduced to the programme through a community-based organization which linked
her to the scholarships.
“This is a great opportunity for us, and we hope
to come back having made the country proud,” Shee said.
Mvita MP Mohamed Machele said the opportunity for
the students will open up even more opportunities for others.
He lauded Mama Salma Noor for her role in making
the opportunity possible for Mombasa youth.
“Your dedication continues to change lives,” Machele told Noor.
Instant Analysis:
The Indonesian AID Scholarship is a grant program from Indonesian Government aiming to support the achievement of SDGs targets, especially in the education sector. It provides opportunities for talented individuals to develop their potential, enhance their knowledge and skills and contribute to their communities.
