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Anna Mallia’s article about scholarships last Sunday was good polemical stuff. This British High Commissioner has yet to award any Chevening Scholarships and as I gear up for my first year, next year, it’s useful to know what people are saying about the scheme – not just its many supports, but also any sceptics.
Of course, I disagree with much of what she says. But it’s good that she does not question the quality of our scholars, whose academic achievements are high and who have the potential to do much for Malta and the relationship between our countries. And she does identify a problem which we too want to fix. We don’t get applicants from a wide enough range of backgrounds. Anna’s not the only scholar we’ve had from ‘a working class family with no political affiliations’, but we will have more if they’re not discouraged from applying.
I’m doing two things to change that. First, getting an independent outsider to sit on the selection panel. And second, letting people know that where they come from doesn’t matter. Parents and teachers reading this should never tell students ‘oh, you won’t get a Chevening, they’re not for people like you…’. Encourage your bright young people to apply.
A last point. Chevenings are not just about academic excellence; they are about both scholarship and the contribution you can make in Malta on your return. As a future campaigning journalist, Anna Mallia was well spotted by the then High Commissioner. To support more academic ambitions, the British government also puts millions into Commonwealth scholarships, which Maltese students can apply for and do win. The criteria for both schemes are transparent and available via our website – www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/malta.
Nick Archer
British High Commissioner
Ta’ Xbiex
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