South Sudan refugees to benefit from Turkish scholarship

Around 24 refugees from around the world will benefit from the comprehensive Turkey government scholarship this year.

This follows teamwork between the Turkish Embassy in Juba and the UN agencies — UNHCR and UNESCO — to extend the same privilege for the first time to the South Sudanese refugees. 

Speaking during the unveiling of the program at the Turkish Embassy on Thursday, June 2, the Turkish Ambassador to South Sudan, Erdem Mutaf, revealed that the candidates had been selected and their names forwarded to Turkey for a selection process that would involve the administration of the interview.

He said his government back home would cater for all the expenses.

“These scholarships are all-inclusive and cover travel expenses, university fees, boarding and accommodation, and also pocket money,” said the diplomat, adding that the selection process would begin in July or early August.

‘‘I wish you the best of luck during your interviews,’’ he told the candidates.

He revealed that there are four to five million refugees in Turkey, and that incoming students must learn Turkish language in their first year of study.

The South Sudan Commissioner for Refugees, Lt. Gen. Bol John Akot, wished the students well in their quest for higher learning.

This is the first time to help children of refugees going abroad for higher education. I hope you are going to succeed in this interview and you will have a chance of going outside, “Lt. Gen. Bol.

Also at the event was Jamal Arafat, the UNCHR Country Director, who challenged the candidates to ensure they learn something new and export the human expertise back home to build the nation. Mr Arafat said Turkey exhibited a good gesture by giving the refugees the slots.

‘‘You need to seize this opportunity being given to you as something that very important for your own lives so that you can dictate your future when you graduate,’’ said Arafat.