The General National Congress of Libya plans to allocate LD 3.28 billion to send 40,000 citizens abroad for English and vocational training to tackle unemployment and improve security. The initiative includes 5,692 students and 2,004 faculty members, alongside 31,000 individuals for English language preparation. The funding significantly increases from previous budgets and has expanded eligibility after public criticism, though it has faced criticism for neglecting local educational development.
The General National Congress (GNC) of Libya has proposed an allocation of LD 3.28 billion (approximately US$2.57 billion) to facilitate the study of 40,000 Libyans abroad in areas such as English language and technical training. Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Bashir Echtewi, confirmed that 5,692 students and 2,004 faculty members who already possess Master’s degrees will be part of this initiative, alongside 3,616 “top students” who will have the opportunity to complete their degrees at foreign universities.
Funding will enable the education of 10,000 students and faculty at international vocational and higher education institutions. GNC member Abdulmonem Alyaser highlighted the program’s goal to enhance employment and security in Libya through increased job opportunities via vocational and English language training. Acknowledging the longstanding issue of high unemployment rates, he noted this initiative as critical to resolving unemployment and security crises.
Additionally, the proposal includes support for 31,000 students to undertake one year of English language training abroad, aiming for adequate TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission into international universities. This funding marks a significant increase from the current budget of LD 1 billion, which presently supports 12,500 students mainly affected by the civil war, thus highlighting the need for expanded educational opportunities.
Initially, the recruitment of funding recipients was exclusive to those involved with the Warriors Affairs Commission; however, after public feedback, the GNC broadened eligibility to include women and individuals with disabilities. To streamline the selection process given the high volume of applicants, state institutions have been tasked with proposing candidates for study abroad support.
Apart from educational initiatives, the GNC has also proposed an additional LD 7 billion to stimulate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large-scale projects in sectors such as solar energy, construction, and tourism, addressing the pressing unemployment issue affecting approximately 340,000 Libyans. Alyaser emphasized the importance of investing in educational programs, joint ventures, and SMEs to effect real change in the nation’s employment and security landscape.
Despite the aspirations of the GNC, the strategy to send students abroad has faced criticism due to the current challenges of higher education in Libya, characterized by overcrowding and insufficient educational quality. Critics argue that this approach undermines the potential for developing local institutions, which could offer more enduring benefits to the educational landscape in Libya.
In conclusion, Libya’s GNC has proposed a substantial budget to facilitate overseas education for thousands of students, aiming to tackle unemployment and enhance national security. While the funding is a significant increase from previous budgets, the decision to prioritize studying abroad has generated some controversy. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to address long-term educational and employment challenges within the country.
Original Source: thepienews.com
