By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Head of the Consular Section of the Embassy of Hungary in Accra accredited to Sierra Leone, Richard Majtan, embarked on a significant official assignment in Sierra Leone on the 11th August, 2024. His visit was marked by the issuance of Resident Visas to thirty-two (32) Sierra Leonean students who have been awarded scholarships to pursue higher education in Hungary.
The Resident Visas were accepted on the 12th and 13th of August, 2024, at 20 A Spur Road, Matu Close in Freetown, in the presence of key personalities, including the Honorary Consul of Hungary in Sierra Leone, Jihad N. Eter, other relevant stakeholders and family members of the awardees. These scholarships, awarded under the prestigious Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, enable the selected students to pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, with one scholarship specifically designated for a Doctorate degree.
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme is a testament to the deepening bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Hungary, a relationship that has been formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2021. This agreement represents a shared commitment by both countries to promote educational development and foster stronger ties through academic exchange.
Addressing the gathering before the awarding of the visas, Richard Majtan emphasized the importance of the growing diplomatic connection between Sierra Leone and Hungary. He highlighted how the scholarship programme is a clear demonstration of the partnership’s continued strength and growth. He praised Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, for prioritizing Human Capital Development, stating that access to quality education is a crucial factor for any country seeking to accelerate its development.
“The yearly offering of scholarships to outstanding young Sierra Leoneans can go a long way in complementing the aspirations of the Government of Sierra Leone,” Richard Majtan stated. He expressed optimism that the scholarship recipients would make the most of this opportunity, establish valuable personal and professional connections in Hungary and ultimately return to Sierra Leone to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
The Honorary Consul of Hungary in Sierra Leone, Jihad N. Eter, echoed these sentiments, expressing his pleasure in witnessing the issuance of Resident Visas to the 32 students. He remarked that the scholarships align with Hungary’s efforts to support Sierra Leone’s Human Capital Development initiative, further strengthening the educational framework of the nation.
According to him, the scholarship programme was borne out of a strategic plan agreed upon in 2021 between Hungary and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The plan stipulates that Hungary will at that time, over the next five years, continue to award scholarships annually to deserving Sierra Leonean students. He noted that the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education had earlier invited applications from qualified Sierra Leoneans, receiving a significant number of submissions from students eager to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Hungary. Following a rigorous selection process, the final 32 students were chosen based on their exceptional performance.
Jihad Eter congratulated the scholarship recipients for their hard work and dedication, urging them to take their studies seriously and to return to Sierra Leone upon completion of their courses to contribute to the country’s development. He also commended Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, the Minister of Higher Education, for her instrumental role in ensuring the scholarship process was conducted smoothly and transparently.
In his remarks, the Students Secretary of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, George Agbeigeima Dambo, expressed gratitude to the Hungarian Government for its commitment to strengthening education in Sierra Leone further emphasizing that the scholarship awards are a clear reflection of President Bio’s dedication to Human Capital Development, which is a cornerstone of his administration.
George Dambo lauded the current leadership of Sierra Leone, noting that the country is now under a leadership that is deeply committed to providing opportunities for young people and women to take on key roles in the nation’s development. He encouraged the scholarship recipients to make the most of this opportunity and urged their parents to continue supporting and encouraging them throughout their academic journey in Hungary.
It must be noted that the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and Hungary dates back to 1961 with the partnership now reaching new heights under the leadership of Sierra Leone’s current Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Musa Timothy Kabba.
In a significant step earlier this year, a delegation led by Hon. Kabba signed Hungary’s first Joint Economic Committee agreement in Budapest, further solidifying the economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
During the visit, the delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with various stakeholders, including private sector representatives and key institutions, positioning Sierra Leone as a prime destination for investment with ample commercial opportunities and a stable political climate. One of the highlights of the trip was the delegation’s meeting with the ANY Security and Printing Company and the Hungarian Water Partnership, where they explored potential collaborations in the printing, security and water management sectors.
The inaugural meeting of the Joint Economic and Technical Commission on April 11, 2024, marked the official signing of the agreement, with high-ranking representatives from both countries in attendance. The continued collaboration between Sierra Leone and Hungary promises to bring significant benefits, particularly in the fields of education, economic development and technological advancement, ensuring a brighter future for the citizens of both nations.
