Libya Allocates LD 3.28 Billion for Overseas Education Program
The General National Congress of Libya has allocated LD 3.28 billion to send 40,000 Libyans abroad for English language and technical training. This funding will support 10,000 students and faculty, while an additional 31,000 will be trained in English. The program aims to address unemployment and enhance security, amidst criticism over prioritizing foreign education over local improvements.
Libya’s General National Congress (GNC) has proposed a substantial allocation of LD 3.28 billion (approximately US$2.57 billion) to enable 40,000 Libyans to study abroad in order to enhance their English language skills and obtain technical training. This initiative aims to support 10,000 students and faculty at vocational and higher education institutions. Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Bashir Echtewi, confirmed that among them, 5,692 students and 2,004 faculty members, all of whom currently possess Master’s degrees, will benefit from this program.
An additional 31,000 students are expected to receive support for one year of English language training to help them achieve the required TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission to foreign universities. The funding represents a significant increase from the current LD 1 billion budget that currently supports only 12,500 students studying abroad, many of whom left prior to the civil war that commenced in February 2011.
GNC member Abdulmonem Alyaser stated that the government is targeting unemployment and security issues by fostering job opportunities through professional training and language education. He remarked, “If we want to put the security train on the right track, we must find fundamental and strategic solutions to the problem of unemployment.” The educational initiative is part of a broader strategy which includes a proposed LD 7 billion for small and medium enterprises and large-scale joint ventures in sectors such as solar energy, cement, and agriculture.
Initially, the program’s recipients were to be selected solely from the Warriors Affairs Commission, meant to aid individuals who fought in the civil war. However, in response to public criticism, the GNC broadened the eligibility to include women and persons with disabilities. Due to the high volume of applications, the government has requested state institutions to propose candidates for the program, ensuring that a diverse array of Libyans can benefit from this educational opportunity.
Despite these advancements in student mobility, the decision to send students abroad has faced internal criticism. Concerns have been raised that prioritizing foreign education detracts from the need to invest in and improve local higher education institutions. Many argue that building up local colleges would provide sustainable long-term benefits for the country.
The GNC’s initiative to allocate LD 3.28 billion for sending 40,000 Libyans abroad for English and technical training signifies a substantial investment in education aimed at addressing unemployment and improving national security. While this program expands educational opportunities, it has sparked debate regarding the necessity for investment in local educational institutions to ensure sustainable growth. The success of this initiative will depend on its execution and the balance between international training and local capacity building.
Original Source: thepienews.com
