THIRTEEN Guyanese will be pursuing masters and doctoral degrees on the Brazilian Nursing Scholarship following collaboration between Guyana, Brazil and the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO).

Speaking at a cocktail reception at the Marriott Hotel, Health Minister Volda Lawrence said greater focus is being placed on nursing and congratulated the all- women team who will be heading to the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The scholarship programme, she said, is geared at supporting efforts to enhance human resource development in the health sector.

Minister Lawrence charged the scholars to remain focused, and expressed optimism that they will all positively contribute to improving the local health care system on their return to Guyana.

“Go out and give it your best shot and not only aim for the stars, but the planets, even though it will not be easy. You must be reminded that we are rooting for you and we are depending on you; so shake yourself off and continue to press forward. When hard days are upon you, take out your Guyana flag and walk around your room,” she urged.

PAHO/WHO Guyana representative, Dr William Adu-Krow, said he was looking for a nursing programme abroad for Guyana and when he heard of the opportunity in Brazil, his “light bulbs went off.”

Immediately, Dr Adu-Krow said he informed Minister Lawrence and she came on board without hesitation.

He noted that eight of the women will do the master’s in medicine programme, while the remainder will do public health, free of cost, compliments of the Government of Brazil.

“After your training please come back to us and your country, since Brazil will be paying air fares, tuition, meals, [and] lodging, while PAHO/WHO will see to the book fees. So make use of it,” the PAHO/WHO country representative urged the scholars.

In brief remarks, Paul Borda Silos, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Brazil, said Guyana and Brazil enjoy good relations and only recently the two countries celebrated 50 years of fruitful relations.