Rabat – In a ceremony held last Thursday evening at the British Ambassador’s residence, the UK Ambassador to Morocco, Simon Martin, welcomed back a cohort of successful Chevening scholars who completed their master’s programs in the United Kingdom over the past academic year.
A flagship initiative by the UK government, the Chevening program continues to foster international collaboration, providing scholars with the opportunity to study at prestigious UK universities.
Simon Martin, UK Ambassador to Morocco
Thursday’s event not only marked the successful return of the Chevening Scholars, but also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Chevening Program and reflected on its profound impact on Moroccan alumni.
A celebration of academic excellence
Ambassador Martin expressed his enthusiasm for the remarkable achievements of the returning Chevening scholars, who he said fruitfully spent their time in the UK by pursuing diverse Master’s courses ranging from engineering and HR to marketing and environmental sciences.
Hayat Adrane, Political Assistant and Chevening Officer at British Embassy Rabat
He noted that the selection process for the program was rigorous because of the overwhelming number of high caliber applicants, all of whom demonstrated a strong desire to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
Ambassador Martin also shared insights into the scholars’ British experiences, emphasizing not only their academic pursuits but also their cultural interactions while in the UK.
“They’ve each studied a different master’s course at one of the universities in the UK. We had a huge number of applicants for the full scholarships that we provide through the Chevening programme, and it’s great to see so many high-quality applicants and it was very hard to choose between them,” he said.
The returnees echoed the ambassador’s enthusiastic comments as they recounted their career-enhancing and intellectually transformative experiences in the UK. Abdul, who studied at Nottingham University, highlighted the enriching international environment of UK universities, which fosters a global network of future leaders and influencers.
Chevening: A pillar of bilateral relations
As the Chevening Program celebrates its 40th anniversary, both the British Ambassador and Moroccan Chevening Scholars spoke eloquently of how the program has built a strong network of alumni who continue to make significant contributions to their communities and professions across Morocco.
Fatima Ezzahra Benoughazi, Chevening alumna
In this regard, Thursday’s event was not only a homecoming celebration for the Moroccan beneficiaries of the career-enhancing and intellectually enriching program. It was also an opportunity for Moroccan alumni to reconnect, share experiences, and explore collaboration opportunities.
Ambassador Martin was upbeat throughout the event, saying that he believes the Chevening Program will undoubtedly rebuild the longstanding relationship between the UK and Morocco.
“And the other thing about this evening is to give the opportunity to our Moroccan alumni group, give them the opportunity to come and get together, share their experiences and find out what they can do for each other,” he said.
Abderrahim Boualy, Chevening alumna
For the British ambassador, this sense of community and collaboration among Moroccan Chevening alumni reflects the program’s enduring impact on fostering lasting connections between the two nations.
Future prospects: expanding horizons for Moroccan scholars
Amid the celebration, Ambassador Martin stressed the enduring popularity and impact the Chevening scholarship had on Moroccan students and noted the British government’s commitment to continue the program.
He revealed that the program is currently accepting applications for the academic year beginning next September, with over 50,000 different master’s courses available at British universities.
Adnane Bennis CEO and Co founder of Morocco World News (left), Simon Martin, UK Ambassador to Morocco (Center) Deborah Bartlett, Chief Employability and Entrepreneurship Officer at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (Left)
The ambassador also announced the generous sponsorship from two British schools in Morocco, the London Academy School and the British International School of Casablanca, which will fund two additional scholarships for the next three years.
“We are open for applications at the moment for the academic year beginning next September. Again, it is for one year courses at master’s level,” he said.
This expansion ensures that more Moroccan students can benefit from the Chevening program, providing them with the opportunity to gain valuable skills and experiences in the UK.
Aya Belbachir, Communications and Stakeholder Manager British Embassy Rabat
‘An amazing experience’
Speaking at Thursday’s ceremony, Chevening alumna Nadia Boukdir shared her experience of pursuing a master’s degree in tourism marketing in Scotland.
She emphasized the uniqueness of the Chevening scholarship, describing it as an “amazing experience” that not only challenged her academically but also exposed her to a diverse range of perspectives from classmates around the world.
“So excited for the future. And if I have to give one piece of advice to the future Cheveneers, please be authentic while applying to the scholarship,” an enthusiastic Boukdir told MWN on the sidelines of the event when asked about how to craft a successful Chevening application. “Give your best to be authentic. Talk about your leadership, your networking skills, your impact on society. Be sure that you will be selected.”
Nadia Boukdir, Chevening alumna
Her inspiring journey echoes the transformative impact of the Chevening program, showcasing its role in shaping the future leaders of Morocco.
As the Chevening scholars enthused about their academic and professional accomplishments, the event stood as a testament to the enduring partnership between the UK and Morocco. The program not only cultivates academic excellence but it also fosters cross-cultural understanding, contributing to a brighter future for both nations.
With the program’s continued popularity and the support from local institutions, the prospect of more Moroccan students venturing to the UK for transformative educational experiences remains promising, solidifying the enduring legacy of the Chevening initiative.
