MoICE Engages Canadian University Over Scholarships and Student Exchanges

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) is exploring an academic partnership with Canada’s University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) to create more international learning opportunities for young Sierra Leoneans.

The discussions were led by MoICE’s Director of Civic Education and Citizens’ Engagement, Timothy Sam, during an engagement with representatives of UFV in Canada.

Key areas discussed included student and faculty exchange programmes, scholarships, short-term study opportunities, joint research, global citizenship and experiential learning.

Sam noted that Sierra Leone currently has limited representation at UFV and raised concerns about some Canadian scholarship programmes targeting Sub-Saharan Africa that do not include Sierra Leone.

He stressed the need for Sierra Leonean students to have equal access to international education, research and exchange opportunities available to young people in other African countries.

Sam also encouraged UFV to strengthen partnerships with universities and other educational institutions in Sierra Leone. He further welcomed Canadian students and researchers to Sierra Leone to engage in areas including civic education, youth participation, gender inclusion and community development.

Meanwhile, UFV Associate Director of International Relations, Walter Foreman, expressed support for strengthening institutional ties with Sierra Leone, emphasising the benefits of cultural and academic exchanges.

The two sides also discussed ways UFV’s international programmes could facilitate collaboration with Sierra Leonean universities, schools and other educational institutions.

The proposed partnership could create additional opportunities for students and academics while strengthening knowledge-sharing and institutional links between Sierra Leone and Canada.

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