The GNC of Libya plans to allocate LD 3.28 billion to send 40,000 Libyans abroad for education, including English and technical training. This initiative addresses unemployment and aims to enhance job prospects. The program will support thousands of students and faculty, emphasizing a national push for educational improvement and job creation.
The General National Congress (GNC) of Libya has announced plans to allocate LD 3.28 billion (approximately US$2.57 billion) to facilitate the study abroad of 40,000 Libyans. This initiative aims to enhance English language proficiency and technical training among the youth. Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Bashir Echtewi, verified that 5,692 students and 2,004 faculty, all holding Master’s degrees, will be the first beneficiaries of this program.
The funding is intended to support 10,000 students and faculty from vocational and higher education institutions overseas. According to Deputy Minister Echtewi, an additional 3,616 exceptional students will also be granted opportunities to pursue their studies at foreign universities. This strategic move is expected to strengthen the educational framework and job prospects in Libya.
In a recent interview with the Libya Herald, GNC member Abdulmonem Alyaser emphasized the initiative’s broader objective of improving national security through job creation, achieved via professional and English language training. “To put the security train on the right track, we must find fundamental and strategic solutions to the problem of unemployment,” stated Alyaser, indicating that unemployment significantly contributed to the revolution.
Another aspect of the initiative includes support for 31,000 students to receive one year of English language training abroad, preparing them for international university admission tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. This concerted effort marks a significant increase in the budget for overseas education, which is set to rise from LD 1 billion currently allocated for 12,500 students, most of whom pursued their studies before the conflict in 2011.
The GNC had initially intended to limit funding recipients to individuals associated with the Warriors Affairs Commission, aimed at benefitting those involved in the civil war. However, following public backlash, the initiative was broadened to encompass women and individuals with disabilities. Considering the surge in applications, institutions have been tasked with nominating students and faculty for this funding.
Beyond educational initiatives, the GNC is also addressing unemployment, reported to affect 340,000 individuals in Libya. A supplementary proposal includes an investment of LD 7 billion towards small and medium enterprises and large joint ventures in sectors such as solar energy, cement, steel, agriculture, and tourism.
Alyaser expressed the critical need for Libya to allocate resources towards education abroad and substantial joint venture projects to have a measurable impact on resolving unemployment and security challenges. Despite the intention behind sending students abroad, the GNC has faced criticism regarding the state of higher education, which has suffered from issues of overcrowding and inadequate teaching standards since the revolution. Many believe investing in local educational institutions would yield more long-term benefits for the country.
The GNC’s initiative to allocate LD 3.28 billion for sending Libyan students abroad reflects a strategic effort to enhance education and combat unemployment. While the funding will assist thousands in improving their qualifications, concerns remain regarding the neglect of local educational institutions. The broader implications for security and economic growth hinge on the successful implementation of this educational reform and its integration with measures aimed at creating job opportunities.
Original Source: thepienews.com
