Dili, 14 August 2014 – On Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 3:00 PM, the U.S. Charge d’Affairs to Timor-Leste Ambassador McGann and USAID Acting Mission Director Melissa Francis held a reception at the U.S Embassy to introduce the 2014 Timor-Leste Hillary Clinton Scholars. Seven high school graduates from across Timor-Leste won the second round of scholarships. This five-year program enables Timorese students to pursue higher education in the U.S.

USAID’s Timor-Leste Hillary Clinton Scholarship Program supports the country’s human resource development priorities in strengthening the country's base of skilled technical professionals. The program focuses on study areas that support the goals of the Strategic Development Plan (2011-2030) to “develop core infrastructure, human resources, and the strength of our society and to encourage the growth of private-sector jobs in strategic industry sectors.” In line with the country’s priorities, the 2014 Hillary Clinton Scholars will pursue two-year associate’s degrees in accounting, agriculture, and food science and technology.

At the event announcing the scholarship winners, Charge d'Affairs of the U.S. Embassy, the honorable Ambassador Steven McGann said, “The U.S. Government is a firm believer that education is a vital building block for long-term, sustainable development as well as economic growth, and investing in education is a top priority for this Mission.” He continued, “After completing their programs, these scholars will return home better equipped to become business managers, civic and government leaders, subject matter specialists, and entrepreneurs. They will be invaluable resources in the workplace and for the country.”

Speaking on behalf of the seven 2014 Hillary Clinton Scholars, Sergio da Silva stated, “We represent the youth and the next generation for Timor-Leste.  Therefore, we are trying to the best of our ability to learn new skills and modern ideas that can be very helpful and useful for the progress of our country.  And, at the same time, we will bring a change and transformation to ourselves for a better future.”

The following 2014 Hillary Clinton Scholars will depart to the U.S. in the coming months to pursue their associate’s degrees.

1. Mr. Armindo Gonsalves - AA in Agriculture
2. Mr. Arsenio Soares da Costa Ferreira - AA in Food Science and Technology
3. Mr. Clinton Domingos Guterres - AA in Accounting
4. Mr. Joao Maria Tapel - AA in Accounting
5. Mr. Jorguino Aparcio Savio - AA in Food Science and Technology
6. Mr. Sergio da Silva - AA in Agriculture
7. Mr. Jordao Baptista Lobo Ferreira - AA in Accounting

USAID’s Hillary Clinton Scholarship Program is one of the many assistance projects in Timor-Leste provided by the American people through USAID. These projects help Timor-Leste to strengthen its institutional and human capacity to improve the lives of its citizens. USAID program activities focus in the areas of education, health, economic growth, the environment, and good governance.