The government of New Zealand is offering full scholarships to indigenous people and Muslim applicants in Mindanao.
Dyan Mabunga Rodriguez, New Zealand aid manager, told media on Friday that the scholarship is open to all applicants particularly those from indigenous people and Muslim communities to study courses that can contribute to the Mindanao agenda such as good governance specifically on peace and conflict studies, indigenous studies, climate change, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Rodriguez added that they have 16 allocations for masters and PhD scholarships that would be fully funded by the government of New Zealand.
“We are happy to announce that we have this scholarship program. This is not the first time New Zealand is offering scholarships to Filipinos. We have over a thousand scholars in the past years. However, there is a firm resolve to encourage applications from indigenous people and Bangsamoro Muslim practitioners and scholars,” she said during the Kapihan sa PIA at NCCC-Victoria Plaza on Friday.
She said currently, three scholars from the Bangsamoro community have availed on the said scholarships.
“We hardly have any representation from the indigenous community. As a tri-people of Mindanao, we encourage representation. We are providing a platform for representation and to champion inclusion and diversity,” Rodriguez said.
New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell said the scholarship will provide young Mindanaoans an opportunity to study and experience life in New Zealand.
“This is not just about studying in New Zealand but also learning how New Zealand and New Zealanders see the world. We are trying to open New Zealand to all Mindanaoans, particularly those who are from indigenous and Moro communities,” he said.
The application started on February 1, 2023 and will end on February 28 (New Zealand time).
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online. All the information can be found on the New Zealand Embassy Facebook Page.
