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Ambassador’s Speech on donation of 50 computers to Lycee Modern Ampefiloha

Posted on: April 12, 2022 | Back | Print

Ambassador’s Speech on donation of 50 computers to Lycee Modern Ampefiloha

Good morning,

Excellency, Madame Marie Michelle SAHONDRARIMALALA, Minister of National Education,

(Names of guest Ministers/ SGs)

Ladies and Gentleman and my dear friends from media.

I thank you all for taking time out from your busy schedules and gracing us with your presence in an effort of the Embassy towards deepening educational ties between India and Madagascar.

India-Madagascar relations have been traditionally cordial with positive political, economic and cultural exchanges. Strong people to people relations form the bedrock of bilateral relationship between two countries and education is a major factor in this direction. Today we have gathered here to celebrate the fulfillment of one of the announcements made by the President of India, H.E. Mr. Ram Nath Kovind during his visit to Madagascar in 2018: the supply of 50 computers for the computer/language lab of Lycee Moderne Ampefiloha. It gives me immense pleasure to provide these 50 computers to the largest high school in Madagascar today that will help in generating interest among the students in digital learning.

India has been an attractive location for Malagasy students who wish to undertake higher studies. We have been offering a number of scholarships to the students over the years under programmes of ITEC and ICCR.

Since 2014, 93 Malagasy have benefited from ICCR scholarships and about 100 Malagasy students are studying in India on self-financing scheme. In the previous academic year 2021-22, 17 Malagasy ICCR scholars have travelled to India to pursue their studies in various premier Indian universities such as Delhi University, Gujarat Technological University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Mahatma Gandhi University and Andhra University.

Courses offered under ICCR are distinct from short-term training programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) both for Civilian and Defense personnel. 854 young Malagasy professionals between the ages of 25-45 have benefited from fully funded ITEC programme since 2007. Online training courses for professionals are also offered under e-ITEC program.

I would like to recall that on 14 January 2020, the Embassy handed over 100,000 academic text books gifted by the Government of India to Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in accordance with the announcements made during the VVIP visit in 2018.

A Memorandum of understanding for Participation of Madagascar in the e-VBAB Network Project of India is currently in final stages. Under e-VidyaBharti and e-ArogyaBharti Network Project (e-VBAB Network Project), tele-education & tele-medicine services from India shall be offered to Madagascar through a specially developed web based platform hosting two separate tele-education and tele-medicine portals.

From 2021 to 2023, India is celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is an embodiment of all that is progressive about India’s socio-cultural, political and economic identity. I believe these cooperative steps will go a long way in cementing the educational ties between our two nations and hope that the computer lab will serve as a enabling medium for children opting to study information technology and related fields.

Thank you.

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