The General National Congress has allocated LD 3.28 billion to support 40,000 Libyans studying abroad in English and technical fields. This funding includes additional scholarships for vocational training and aims to address unemployment issues in Libya. However, some critics argue that investing in local education might be more beneficial in the long run.
The General National Congress (GNC) of Libya has proposed a significant investment of LD 3.28 billion (US$2.57 billion) to facilitate the study of 40,000 Libyans abroad, focusing on English language acquisition and technical training. Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Bashir Echtewi, stated that among the beneficiaries, 5,692 students and 2,004 faculty members with Master’s degrees will be among the initial group sent overseas.
The funding will provide opportunities for 10,000 students and educators at vocational and higher education institutions abroad. Echtewi has confirmed that a total of 3,616 top-performing students will receive placements at foreign universities to further their academic pursuits. This initiative aims to enhance education quality and subsequently improve job prospects in Libya.
During an interview with Libya Herald, GNC member Abdulmonem Alyaser emphasized that the initiative addresses unemployment issues by offering professional training and English proficiency. He remarked, “If we want to put the security train on the right track, we must find fundamental and strategic solutions to the problem of unemployment.”
An additional 31,000 students will also receive support for one year of English language training abroad, aiming to achieve requisite scores for university acceptance. This funding significantly increases from the previous budget of LD 1 billion, which currently supports 12,500 students who departed before the civil unrest began in February 2011.
Initially, the program restricted funding recipients to the Warriors Affairs Commission, which primarily served veterans of the civil war. In response to public dissent, the GNC expanded eligibility to include women and individuals with disabilities as well. Due to the influx of applications, state institutions have been tasked with nominating candidates for the program.
This enhancement of educational support is part of a broader GNC approach to tackle unemployment, which, according to the Ministry of Labour, has reached 340,000 individuals. Moreover, the GNC has pledged LD 7 billion to invigorate small and medium enterprises and joint ventures focusing on sectors like renewable energy and tourism.
Critics have expressed concerns about sending students abroad, arguing it may hinder the development of local educational infrastructures. Since the revolution, Libya’s higher education system has faced criticism for its overcrowded classrooms and inadequate teaching standards, raising questions about the effectiveness of this foreign education initiative.
The GNC’s initiative to allocate LD 3.28 billion for sending Libyans abroad for education echoes a broader strategy to address high unemployment rates and improve security through increased job opportunities. Despite the positive intentions, the program has faced criticism regarding its potential impact on local educational institutions. The funding expansion and inclusion of diverse demographics represent a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities for the Libyan populace.
Original Source: thepienews.com
