By Youth Ambassador
A nationwide sensitization campaign on the MOFCOM 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship was on Friday held at Milton Margai Technical University, attracting lecturers, graduating students, and young professionals interested in furthering their education in China.
The engagement was led by Sino Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SISLAA), with support from the Chinese Embassy as part of a nationwide awareness campaign in Sierra Leone.
Speaking during the session, Mr Foday Nangai Vice President SISLAA explained that the purpose of the outreach was to popularize the MOFCOM 2026 Chinese Scholarship policies and educate Sierra Leoneans on the application procedures, eligibility criteria, and required documentation.
He noted that many qualified Sierra Leoneans often miss the opportunity because of limited information or incomplete applications.
According to him, MOFCOM, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, oversees the MOFCOM Chinese government Scholarship (CSC) for Mid career professionals, MOFCOM a fully funded scholarship programme established in 2008 to support young professionals, lecturers, government officials, researchers, and postgraduate students from developing countries.
The sensitization team presented detailed Power Point presentation guiding participants through the online application process and document preparation procedures.
The alumni association divided into two teams to cover different parts of the country. One team lead by Mr. Augustine T Mansary president of SISLAA visited ETU- Kenema, Njala- Bo, and Mokonde Campuses, while the second team, led by Mr. Foday Nangai engaged institutions including EBKUST in Magburaka,UNIMAK Makeni, EBKUST Port Loko, and finally Milton Margai Technical University.
Highlighting the benefits of the scholarship, Nangai disclosed that beneficiaries receive full tuition coverage, free accommodation, medical insurance, monthly stipends, and round-trip air tickets, with no hidden costs attached except document preparation and medical check-ups.
He further revealed that *101* Sierra Leoneans benefited from the scholarship programme last year, while expressing optimism that the number of beneficiaries for 2026 would increase following the nationwide sensitization campaign.
“The scholarship is based on merit and not political connections. Applicants should not disqualify themselves before trying. Once you meet the criteria and submit the required documents, you stand a good chance,” Mr Foday encouraged participants.
He added that the Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association was formed by returning scholarship beneficiaries to support educational exchange and strengthen diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and China through education and cultural cooperation.
The event ended with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants sought clarification on eligibility requirements, application timelines, and available academic programmes under the MOFCOM Scholarship Scheme.