SIX Guyanese have been awarded the Chevening Award (FCO) scholarships and will now receive fully funded study, for a one-year master’s degree, at a university of their own choosing in the United Kingdom (UK).

The scholarships are for the year 2020/2021 and were announced by the British High Commission to Guyana.

Heading to the University of Strathclyde to pursue an LLM in Criminal Justice and Penal Change is Stacy Goodings. Goodings is an attorney-at-law and an assistant director of Public Prosecution at the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Her goal is to share with law enforcement agencies in Guyana, systems or policies that can be implemented for the improvement of the criminal justice system.

Meanwhile, the University of Sussex will soon welcome Dreylan Johnson, a young woman who has cultivated a love of culture, geography and sustainable development. She will be pursuing a Master of Arts in Cultural and Creative Industries at the University of Sussex.

She told the High Commission that she has recognised the role of culture in shaping people and places and with its ability to be the biggest driver of global economic development, she is eager to see the industry become a force of social change and economic growth in Guyana.

Though currently serving as a senior probation and social service officer (ag) for Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Lauristan Choy will be pursuing a Master of Arts in Children, Youth and International Development at Brunel University in London.

When he returns to Guyana, he intends to contribute to the development and implementation of policy relating to children and youth.

Setting out to elevate tourism-based research in Guyana and to develop a sustainable tourism industry is Anika Lambert. The young woman, passionate about travel and a tourism advocate, has been chosen to pursue a Master of Arts in International Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Greenwich.

Meanwhile, heading to the University of Derby to pursue a Master of Science in International Business is Prashant Gangapersaud. He has extensive experience as an operations coordinator and business process consultant in Suriname. He intends to positively impact the business culture and enhance in-country knowledge as a management consultant and academic.

On the other hand, Luanna Hardowar, a financial analyst, aspires to become a data scientist. She will pursue a Master of Science in Finance and Big Data Analytics at Swansea University. Her goal is to apply her knowledge gained from her course to improve data collection processes and analytical methodologies to provide quality information which can then be used to make informed decisions.

Shinelle Bayrd is another Guyanese recipient of the scholarship. She is an entrepreneur and founder of the Wellness Centre which aims to raise awareness and provide support for persons dealing with mental health illness. She will be pursuing a Master of Arts in Globalisation, Business and Development at the University of Sussex.

Since the academic year 2015, the UK has expended over $600 million on over 83 Chevening scholarships to Guyana.

The Chevening is an international scholarship scheme which enables students with leadership qualities from 144 countries and territories to undertake post-graduate study or courses in universities in the UK.

After these scholars have been awarded their degrees, the UK expects them to come back and work for the benefit of Guyana.