ZIMBABWEANS can now apply for Commonwealth scholarships following an easing of tension between the organisation and the southern African country.
The country iniatiated dialogue with the Commonwealth at a three-day round table meeting which started on Tuesday this week — a move seen as a precursor to having Zimbabwe bounce back to the Commonwealth family.
Officials from the inclusive Government attended the three-day meeting with representatives from the Commonwealth grouping this week in Johannesburg.
They held a roundtable meeting to drum up humanitarian aid for the country and re-establish formal links, according to a statement from the grouping.
At the meeting it was agreed that a network of regional and international civic organisations affiliated to the Commonwealth will develop a special programme to assist Zimbabwe with training, along with technical and other humanitarian support.
Zimbabwe voluntarily left the Commonwealth in 2003.
Yesterday, the head of the Commonwealth Foundation, Mark Collins, said in Johannesburg that Zimbabweans could apply for Commonwealth scholarships
again.
Collins said engagement with Zimbabwe by the Commonwealth network had been growing since civil society bodies petitioned for such support at the 2007
Commonwealth heads of state and government meeting in Kampala, Uganda.
“This meeting has been the first step and a programme for the future has been developed,” Collins said.
Formal political ties between Zimbabwe and the Commonwealth are yet to be restored. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai met Commonwealth officials during his recent visit to Europe and the US.
Again Magobeya says
Great news indeed.I am a 23year old male in line to complete a Bachelor of Business Studies & Computer Science(BBSCT) degree in December at the University of Zimbabwe.I will appreciate a scholarship to further my studies in either Computer Science or Finance at postgraduate level.I have no means to finance postgrad studies at the moment.My benefitting will ultimately benefit my country currently reeling from the effects of brain drain.
zaryl says
This is pleasing.I am a 18 year old student hoping to benefit as well from this.I would like to be financed to study in south africa,i already have a place to study my LLB in one south african university.I am willing to pay at least 40% of the fees,please help.thank you.
Shaun Mupani says
This is a big step in the right direction for the ordinary man on the streets in Zimbabwe, it makes a lot of sense to get the citizenry on equal stepping with everyone in the world through such measures as reincorporating the country into the international community, it is a huge relief that our people can once again qualify for educational assistance.
Otilia Kakunguwo says
An a 3rd year LLB student at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa and would be grateful if a scholarship could be afforded me. I am 45 years old having been a legal secretary for over 20 years. My son also finished his “A” level in 2008 and is seeking sponsorship as well. If there is any well wisher out there to sponsor either of us. Otherwise without sponsorship my son will be at home until I finish that is if I manage to keep sponsoring myself.
Courage Hofisi says
I am a University of Zimbabwe Mining Engineering Student who wishes to pursue some postgraduate studies in Rock and Soil Mechanics (area of specialisation) at The University of British Columbia or the University of Leeds in order to bring sustainability in the field of mining. Please will you sponsor. God bless you abundantly.