Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Russia, His Excellency Mohamed Yongawo, has on Monday, October 26, 2020, addressed the leadership of Sierra Leonean students in Ukraine on issues bordering on welfare and living conditions, at Rublovskoye Chausse, Moscow in Russia.
The meeting, held via webinar, was part of the Ambassador’s plan to reach out to Sierra Leoneans within his jurisdiction; as his mandate also covers Ukraine.
Ambassador Yongawo commended Madam Ludmila Rusalina, the Consulate General in Ukraine, for what he described as her relentless effort in taking care of Sierra Leoneans in that country.
The new Head of Chancery, Mr Dennis E. Nicol, appealed to the Student Union body in Ukraine to return home after studies, as the country is in real need of Medical Doctors.
He emphasized that now is a good time for Sierra Leoneans everywhere to come back home, pointing out the great work that President Bio is doing to improve on the conditions of service for civil and public servants.
Mr. Nicol assured the students of the Embassy’s commitment to assist them whenever necessary; especially in areas where the Embassy believes are of utmost importance.
The President of the Students Union in Ukraine, Desiree Eugenie Kpukumu, presented some of their concerns to Ambassador Yongawo, including the request of renewing their passports in Moscow and whether Private Students would be considered for scholarships or any financial assistance by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education.
The Secretary-General of the SU Government informed the meeting that there are about 58 Sierra Leonean Students studying in Ukraine.
Furthermore, the First Secretary in charge of Student Affairs at the Embassy, Mrs Wuliamatu Conteh, applauded the SU Executive for its ‘proactive approach’ in reaching out to the Embassy.
“My door is always open to you all; whether private or government-sponsored students; and we’ll address the concerns of all students within our jurisdiction,” she ended.
On her part, Consulate General Madam Ludmila Rusalina, assured the students of her continued support, and called on them to always reach out to her for assistance in Ukraine.
Responding to concerns raised by the Student Union President, Ambassador Yongawo, clarified that scholarships are awarded to students by Government and not the embassy.
The Ambassador advised that; “If you leave Sierra Leone as a private student, the expectation is that private Students shall continue paying their fees as that is the status with which they departed Sierra Leone.”
He continued: “The embassy cannot renew passports here in Moscow unless you go to Freetown, but if your passport has expired, we can extend its validity for up to five years.” Ambassador Yongawo also admonished the students’ leadership to supply the names and information of all Sierra Leonean students to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Russia.
The vote of thanks was done by Leonora Williams.
Also at the meeting were the new Head of Chancery Mr. Dennis E. Nicol, and Mr. Ezekiel Ganawah, the Financial Attache, Mrs. Wuliamatu Conteh the first Secretary to the Embassy, Maria Kallon, and the aforementioned Students who are from the Ternopil Medical University in Ukraine.
By Festus J. Lahai, Information Attache, Sierra Leone Embassy, Moscow, Russia