Today, on August 18, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis solemnly congratulated three young Latvians - Viktorija Deksne, Beāte Ančevska and Undīne Markus in a festive scholarship presentation ceremony for studies in schools of the United World Colleges (UWC) in Norway, Italy and Hong Kong.
”It is a great challenge for Viktorija, Beāte and Undīne, however, at the same time, it is a unique opportunity to study in the world’s best schools, obtaining new knowledge and experience and, therefore, I wish to return to Latvia after graduation with substantially broader horizons and clear objectives in order together promote competitiveness and welfare of Latvia. Such talents are of vital importance for Latvia to compete in global economy,” emphasized V.Dombrovskis addressing the participants.
The Prime Minister thanked the parents of the students for upbringing of Latvia’s talents and courage to let their children study abroad as well as foreign ambassadors for their support to the youth education. V.Dombrovskis acknowledged that he has also studied abroad - in Germany and the USA, and recognized this experience as valuable for broadening of horizons and establishing new contacts for further advancement.
”In today’s global economy, the countries compete for talent attraction, and our country is not an exception. Therefore, it is necessary to start the Latvian talent support program. First, a system should be created where talents are identified at national level, providing support and motivation to retain these young people in the country. Second, it is necessary to promote the return of the departed talents to the country. Increasing of Latvia’s competitiveness is a key to ensure wellbeing for all people and to maintain our brightest minds in our country”, acknowledged the Prime Minister of Latvia in his complementary speech to the scholarship holders.
Minister for Education and Science Rolands Broks and ambassadors Norway, Italy and China congratulated the scholarship holders Viktorija Deksne from Rēzekne Catholic Secondary School, Beāte Ančevska from Druva Secondary School in Saldus region and Undīne Markus from Riga French Lyceum.
The UWC has been operating in Latvian since 1992; owing to its support 57 most talented Latvian pupils have studied in some of the 13 UWC colleges around the world. The UWC is an educational movement founded in 1962 with the aim to bring countries closer together as well as promote mutual understanding, cooperation and peace by educating the young people in international environment.
After two academic years students obtain an internationally recognized certificate of secondary education. Learning and living takes place together with students from around the world. After the graduation from the UWC, the young people continue studies for higher education in universities of Latvia and foreign universities.
Annual scholarships are awarded through a competition by the UWC Latvian organization by choosing the young people among the Latvian pupils. The candidates are evaluated for merits, regardless of their nationality, religion, political belief or ability to pay. The scholarships cover all or a part of living and study expenses for two years. This year, 27 pupils had applied for the UWC scholarships and only three most talented students were selected through the competition.
More about the UWC: www.uwc.org
The photos of the event: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/sets/72157627461449626/
Information prepared by:
Mārtiņš Panke
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: +371 67082865 / +371 26556965
E-mail: Martins.Panke@mk.gov.lv
http://twitter.com/brivibas36
www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja
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