By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, June 3, 2026: The Government of Cuba has awarded medical scholarships to three Sierra Leonean female students, further strengthening the longstanding educational and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The beneficiaries are Isha Sesay (19), a first‑year Engineering student at Fourah Bay College; Janice Brimah (18), a second‑year Biological Sciences student; and Nandama Turay (19), also a second‑year Biological Sciences student at Fourah Bay College.
At a ceremony held at the Cuban Embassy in Aberdeen, Freetown, Cuban Ambassador Norma Sánchez Aguila congratulated the students and urged them to remain focused while embracing Cuban culture. She emphasized that the scholarships reflect Cuba’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s human resource development.
“After your studies, you have to come home and serve your people because they need you. This is a good opportunity not only for you but for Sierra Leone,” Ambassador Sánchez Aguila said.
Abubakarr Kamara, Executive Secretary and Personal Assistant to the Cuban Ambassador, described the scholarships as proof of the enduring friendship between Sierra Leone and Cuba, which has spanned more than five decades. He explained that the awards were coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education.
“This reflects the strong relationship that has existed between Sierra Leone and Cuba for 54 years. Sierra Leone has always supported Cuba, and Cuba has always supported Sierra Leone. These scholarships are further proof of the friendship, solidarity, and cooperation that continue to define our relations,” Kamara stated.
The students will spend one year learning Spanish before beginning pre‑medical training and then entering the General Medicine programme, which lasts about seven years. Outstanding performance could qualify them for specialist medical training.
Kamara advised the recipients to remain committed and strive for excellence, noting that Cuba is globally recognized for its achievements in healthcare and medical education.
The awardees expressed gratitude and excitement, describing the scholarships as life‑changing. Isha Sesay said the opportunity marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life and a chance to contribute to Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector.
“This scholarship is not just for me; it is for every young Sierra Leonean girl who dreams of making a difference. Cuba has shown great commitment to supporting developing countries through education and healthcare. I feel privileged to be part of this programme,” she said.
The scholarship programme forms part of Cuba’s continued support for Sierra Leone’s development efforts, particularly in education and healthcare. For Sesay, Brimah, and Turay, the journey to Cuba represents both personal opportunity and a national investment in Sierra Leone’s future healthcare system