
While speaking at the opening session of the Commonwealth Youth Forum at the Queen Elizabeth II centre in London, Prince Henry of Wales, Prince Harry, announced a new scholarship scheme for Nigerian students and other young people from The Commonwealth to study in low and middle-income countries.
Prince Harry who is fifth in line to the Royal throne, and spoke in his new role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, said “60 percent of the Commonwealth is under the age of 30 and at 1.4 billion strong,” adding that they have the capacity to change the world.
The Royal said the scholarships are named after Queen Elizabeth II, and will be funded with the additional £5 million (N2.58 billion) provided by the UK government for the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).
Prince Harry said; “In my new role, I will work to support The Queen, my father The Prince of Wales, and my brother William, all of whom know that young people are the answer to the challenges of today.
“Before I close, my first act in this role, I am delighted to announce that the Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme will be expanded until 2019, thanks to the generosity of the United Kingdom and other countries.
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The Prince also spoke about the Queen being a great source of inspiration for him, praising her lifelong commitment to the Commonwealth.
“On the day of her 21st birthday, the then Princess Elizabeth gave an extraordinary radio address from Cape Town. With an eye on the future, and an already unflinching sense of duty, she made a commitment.
“She said that whether her life be long or short, it would be dedicated to the service of the people of The Commonwealth. All of us here today can be grateful that it is a long life The Queen is still enjoying.
“Her Majesty’s commitment has meant that The Commonwealth is a thriving family of nations, a common link between nearly two and a half billion people, and a defender of democracy, justice, and peace.”
The UK currently funds the Chevening Scholarship, which has been on since 1983; the Commonwealth scholarships, since 1959, and have produced over 80,000 graduates through these years.
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