Ten students from the University of Rwanda’s College of Medicine and Health Science have been awarded full tuition scholarships by the Chong Kun Dang Kochon Foundation of Seoul, Korea.
Ten students from the University of Rwanda’s College of Medicine and Health Science have been awarded full tuition scholarships by the Chong Kun Dang Kochon Foundation of Seoul, Korea.
The scholarship worth US $10,000 (Rwf7.2 million) will be shared equally to cater for six students from medicine and four others from the field of pharmacy.
Speaking during the awarding ceremony, at the College yesterday, Young Moo Lee, the general director of Chong Kun Dang Kochon Foundation urged the beneficiaries to work hard to build Rwanda and establish a global network.
"Rwanda is among the fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, I expect beneficiaries to work hard and be global leaders who will bridge the gap between Korea and Rwanda in the future,” Young said.
He observed that since Rwanda and Korea shareda lot in common, contributing towards an extensive global network of well-trained medical experts is possible.
"The two countries are outstanding mainly in the field of tourism and health. Contributing to health education will be a vital contribution to society which relies on the health workers,” he added.
Students who won scholarships to study medicine include; Natali Umugwaneza, Prosper Ingabire, Ann Marie Nahayo, Hilaire Irere, Divine Mugisha, Robert Iradukunda while from the School of Pharmacy, recipients include; Clementine Mugisha, Gregory Habineza, Jean Claude Niyibizi and Festus Kwizera.
Professor Patrick Kyamanywa, the Dean of School of Medicine and Pharmacy commended the Kochon Foundation for providing financial support to the students.
"Some students who take up these courses have financial challenges on top of the course demands, but this kind of support provides an opportunity for them,” Kyamanywa said.
Kyamanywa advised the students to take advantage of the scholarships to remain active and competitive during their studies.
"Those who have got scholarships this year should ensure that even next year they are given the same award because of excellence,” he added.
Natali Mugwaneza, a fifth year medical student lauded the support.
"We are very grateful for this opportunity, most of our financial burdens have been reduced which means we can concentrate on our studies and be the best health care professionals,” Mugwaneza said.
Dieudonne Duhoranenayo, a beneficiary from last year’s intake also applauded Korean support in facilitating medical studies.
"On top winning a scholarship last year, I got another privilege to visit Korea. This was an opportunity for me to compare with the hospitals, research institutes and pharmaceutical industries which make anti cancer and anti diabetic drugs among others,” Duhoranenayo said.
The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis to best students in the fields of medicine and pharmacy.
Eight students from medicine received the scholarships last year following a memorandum of understanding between CKD Kochon Foundation and the University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
The Chong Kun Dang Kochon Foundation works on many public services and academic projects and for the last 42 years it has invested approximately US $ 36 million of scholarships to fund 6,800 students in different countries. It also established the stop TB Partnership Kochon Prize in partnership with the UN.
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