Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Russia His Excellency Mohamed Yongawo, on Tuesday, reassured Sierra Leonean students in Russia of government’s continued support towards their welfare. He also reminded them of President Julius Maada Bio’s New Direction Agenda which prioritizes Education.
During the virtual meeting with the Students’ Union President and a cross-section of his Executive, Ambassador Yongawo conveyed President Bio’s salutations and reassurance.
Ambassador Yongawo enquired on the general well-being of the students, registering that the Mission is pleased not to have received any reports of COVID-19 infection at the moment among Sierra Leonean students.
Ambassador Yongawo also used the occasion to formally introduce the new Minister Counselor/ Head of Chancery Mr. Dennis E. Nicol and Mr. Festus J. Lahai, Information Attaché to the Embassy.
In his brief remarks, Mr. Nicol registered his appreciation for his posting as the HOC, expressing his gratitude to Ambassador Yongawo and Embassy Staff for their friendly reception.
Mr. Nicol encouraged the students to take their studies seriously, admonishing them to return home and help their country in various sectors after completing their studies in Russia.
The First Secretary Mrs. Conteh encouraged the students to feel free to call at her office whenever they require assistance.
Presenting their concerns to the Embassy, the SU President Sahr Sansie Kwigba outlined series of issues, including the late arrival of their stipends.
“Another concern is the late arrival of allowances for students which has cost us a lot; so we kindly ask for your help in that direction as our country’s representative in this federation”.
Updating the Embassy about developments in their Union, Mr. Kwigba also revealed that the students conducted a free, fair and credible election which was accepted by everyone.
“As a Union, we have developed a workable Constitution which now governs our activities. We have brought together all Sierra Leonean students in the Russian Federation and we have also started helping colleagues in Sierra Leone who have gained admission to Universities here but are not allowed to travel due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions”.
Mr. Kwigba further revealed that the students intend to open and operate an account for regular contributions “to help colleagues whenever the need arises”
On his part, Auditor of the Union Ishmeal Khadri Kamara explained the focus of the National Union of Sierra Leonean students which includes protecting the interests, integrity and general welfare of all students; promoting gender equality and religious tolerance among its members.
He concluded by calling on the Embassy to always collaborate with the Students Union body with regards the arrival of new students, saying they should always be part of the delegation which welcomes them to the Federation and play a part in helping them locate their various campuses.
Organizing Secretary Alhassan Bangura appealed to Ambassador Yongawo and the Government of Sierra Leone to help students that have gained admission to Russia, to learn the Russian language in Sierra Leone before their departure, adding that this will help them familiarize with the language on arrival in Russia.
Mr. Bangura continued: “We also want to start a magazine production in order to make our activities visible; which I believe will be of help to colleagues and the Embassy”.
He ended by appealing to the Government for an increment in their monthly stipend, pointing out that everything in Russia is very expensive including the renewal of their visas every academic year.
Responding to the various concerns raised by the students, Ambassador Mohammed Yongawo advised the leadership that he’s in regular contact with the Ministries of Technical and Higher Education and Finance in regards their allowances, but reminded them of the processes and procedures involved in paying out stipends or disbursing public money.
Ambassador Yongawo promised to continue engaging the appropriate line Ministries with regards stipend as the Government of Sierra Leone is fully committed to providing support to the educational sector, whether locally or internationally.
He also appealed to the students to continue exercising patience, promising that their monies would arrive very soon.
He maintained that the Mission is always working with current students by providing support to the incoming ones, which he promised will continue.
Ambassador Yongawo strongly advised the students against taking any inappropriate action such as a protest, as it would not yield to any positive outcome.
The Ambassador encouraged the students to continue working with the Mission in addressing their concerns. He reminded them that he operates an open-door policy, and he commended the students for their efforts in strengthening ties with their colleagues and supporting one another.
By Festus J. Lahai, Information Attache, Moscow, Russian Federation
11/11/2020. ISSUE NO: 7949