Five Linden students get Russian scholarships

The Russian Embassy hosted a reception for five Linden students who were awarded scholarships to study at the People’s Friendship University in Moscow.

Russian Ambassador to Guyana Nikolay Smirnov hosted the reception at the Embassy on Sunday, a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said. Kollis Smith, Kiefer Bacchus, Patricia Anthony, Tenesha Flores and Denbre McGarrell are the awardees who were selected from among talented youth whose parents are employed at the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI).

Russian Scholarship Awardees with RUSAL’s General Manager, Mr. Odinga Lumumba, Mr. Nirmal Rekha and the Russian Ambassador

Head of RUSAL Vladimir Permyakov said this initiative aims to enhance co-operation between RUSAL, a Russian company which firmed the joint venture  BCGI in 2004 and is a step further to improve Russian-Guyanese bilateral relations.

GINA said the list of Russian universities that are authorised to accept foreign students and provide state scholarships was forwarded to the Public Service Ministry on August 15. “With a duration of five years, RUSAL takes upon itself the responsibility to fully sponsor these students,” the release said. The scholarship includes air fare to and from Moscow, Russia, tuition fees, monthly stipend, accommodation and allowances for furniture and clothing, it added. Students can also take advantage of a monitoring body established by RUSAL which provides additional assistance if needed.

In addition, the release said various aluminium plants engage in the company’s holidays and cultural events as members of the RUSAL family. On completion of their studies the students are expected to be employed at BCGI.