Mar 17, 2024 10:46 PM EDT By Joy Liwanag, UniversityHerald Reporter

The collaboration between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines aims to offer significant opportunities for Burmese youth to pursue higher education. This partnership underscores the commitment to address the educational needs of Burmese students and promote diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Initiative Details

The Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program, recently launched by USAID, is a five-year initiative with a budget of $45 million. This program's primary objective is to provide full scholarships to students from Burma, enabling them to enroll in various public and private universities in the Philippines. Additionally, the program offers online educational opportunities through the University of Arizona.

The program focuses on providing quality educational opportunities to young community leaders in Burma, especially those from marginalized and vulnerable groups. By offering scholarships, USAID aims to empower Burmese youth and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute positively to their communities.

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Scholarship Benefits and Implementation

The Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other necessary costs for Burmese students studying in the Philippines. Participating universities include prominent institutions such as Batangas State University, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, St. Louis University in Baguio, the University of the Philippines-Diliman, and the University of the Philippines-Los Baños.

To facilitate the transition of Burmese students to Philippine universities, CHED is collaborating closely with USAID to streamline the admissions process and provide comprehensive support services. The program aims to ensure that Burmese scholars receive the necessary assistance to succeed academically and integrate into their new educational environment.

Burmese students selected for the scholarships are expected to arrive in the Philippines by July 2024 to commence their studies in the upcoming academic year. By welcoming these students, Philippine universities demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within their campuses.

Strategic Investment in Higher Education

USAID's Assistant Administrator for Asia, Michael Schiffer, emphasized the significance of the scholarship program as a strategic investment in higher education institutions in the region. By supporting educational initiatives, USAID aims to drive positive change in Burma and other countries worldwide.

Through collaboration with CHED and other partner organizations, USAID seeks to strengthen the capacity of Asian higher education institutions to support global students effectively. The program not only benefits individual scholars but also contributes to the broader goal of promoting educational excellence and equity in the region.

The partnership between USAID and CHED represents a significant milestone in expanding educational opportunities for Burmese youth. By providing scholarships and fostering collaboration between institutions, the program strives to empower the next generation of leaders and promote social and economic development in Burma and beyond.

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