Another batch of 23 students will be heading to Cuba for studies on scholarships provided by Havana.
Comprised of 13 females and 10 males, the students will be undertaking studies in biomedical engineering, physics, economics, hydraulic engineering, physical education & sports, microbiology, accounting, library science, psychology, architecture, natural science, humanities, health technology and economics.
Nine of the recipients will study medicine in Cuba.
The new batch of students brings to 97 the number of Grenadian students presently undergoing studies in Cuban institutions.
Six students recently returned to the island having completed studies with bachelor degrees.
Speaking at the sending off ceremony, Minister of Education Senator Franka Alexis-Bernadine expressed thanks to the Government and people of Cuba whom despite their challenges from the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Ike saw the need to keep their door open to welcome the new students.
Sen. Bernadine reminded the recipients that the scholarship provided is 50% of themselves and 50% of nation building and the onus is on them to return home to share their knowledge.
She pointed out that capacity building remains a priority for her administration.
Senior Officer within the Department of Human Resources in the Office of the Prime Minister, Jacinta Joseph urged the students to make good use of the opportunity given to them.
Joseph informed the recipients that the system will not only provide them with a formal education but a practical well-rounded education to take them through life.
She told them that the road ahead will be paved with challenges and advised them not to see these as obstacles but as major stepping stones.
She also urged the students to be good ambassadors and follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and remain focus on their reason for going to Cuba.
A former beneficiary of the programme is Senator Pemba Braveboy, who gave some word of advice to the students."University anywhere is not a bed of roses", she told them and that being on their own for the first time will take some getting used to.
Resident Cuban Ambassador to Grenada, Margarita Delgado-Ramirez, who also spoke at the ceremony said that despite the damages from Hurricane Ike, Havana saw it fitting to continue with the scholarship programme.
She thanked the Government and people of Grenada for having confidence in Cuba by sending its students to further their education.
Over the years, Cuba has assisted more than 20,000 students from Third World countries with free education under its scholarship programme.
