LILONGWE—The British government has awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarships to three outstanding Malawians, acting British High Commissioner to Malawi Kirk Hollingsworth has announced.

The three, who include an agriculturalist, a media manager and a human rights practitioner, will pursue one year postgraduate studies at three leading British universities from September 2012, according to a statement made available to MaraPost.

Speaking when he held an audience with the scholars, Hollingsworth said the Chevening Scholarships are highly sought after across the globe and Malawi is particularly fortunate to have won three of them this year.

“The Chevening scholarship is a highly competitive brand that is moulding future leaders across the world. I congratulate you for joining this prestigious club of Chevening scholars,” Hollingsworth said.

One of the awardees, George Kasakula, praised the British Government for making it possible for him and his colleagues to realise their dreams.

“I am grateful to the British Government for this prestigious award. Higher education is very expensive and many people are struggling to get funding, so it is a great privilege for us to get this opportunity for free,” he said. “I’m also grateful to my employers, Nation Publications Limited, for allowing me time off to pursue my studies in the UK.”

The aim of the programme is to bring young leaders, decision-makers and opinion-formers to the UK for a period of postgraduate study at a formative stage in their careers who in future can play a leading role in effecting change at all policy making levels in the public and private sectors of society. 

The 2012/13 Chevening Scholars are as follows: George Kasakula, who will study for an MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds; Lusako Munyenyembe, who will study for an MA in Applied Human Rights at University of York; and Micter Chaola who will study for an MSC in International Rural Development at the Royal Agricultural College.
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.