By Mabinty M. Kamara
The National Union of Sierra Leonean Students in the Russian Federation (NUSS-RF) has in a press statement dated 17th June this year expressed its frustration over the delay in the disbursement of stipends to students by the Sierra Leonean government.
This delay according to the statement has resulted in “undue suffering as Sierra Leonean Students are already grappling with living expenses and other financial challenges like the payment of accommodation, medical care and feeding,” it reads, emphasizing that the situation is currently causing starvation, health problems among others.
The students in their statement noted that they have had engagements with the Sierra Leonean authorities in charge of their welfare but that they have been unable to get any positive result to address their situation.
The Union therefore calls on the government to look into their concerns and provide a solution as the academic year according to the students ends in a few weeks.
In response to the concerns of the students, the Sierra Leone Embassy in Moscow, Russia Federation in a press statement acknowledged the delay in the payment of stipends for the 2023-2024 academic year for the said students on government scholarship in Russia.
“However, this is not an individual case unique to Sierra Leone/ Russia students but a matter being addressed by the Ministry of Higher and Technical Education for all Sierra Leonean Students studying on government scholarships abroad,” the statement reads in part.
The statement also pointed out that the Ambassador and Head of Chancery recently engaged a cross section of students graduating this year to share their experiences and suggest recommendations that will help them address the plight of both current and future students. The mission also cautioned the students to adhere with the local laws of their host country “and continue to wait on the government to address their concerns.
Politico could not get officials of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education in Sierra Leone for their reaction as at press time.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (20/06/24)
