The Salvadoran Ministry of Finance and the President of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE), Dante Mossi, signed a non-refundable cooperation agreement worth $625,000 for the Roque Dalton Presidential Scholarship program.
During the five-year period, the program will benefit 125 students with an annual contribution of approximately $1,000.
“We want to announce the support of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration to the Roque Dalton scholarship program, which is being implemented by the government of President Nayib Bukele. This contribution, which will initially be around $65,000 as the first installment to the scholarship program, will be extended over time with more contributions,” said Finance Minister Alejandro Zelaya.
According to the head of finance, the scholarship program will benefit 125 students, with an annual contribution of around $1,000.
“Today, we continue to strengthen our relationship with the BCIE. I want to thank our country director and director Dante Mossi for leading this contribution initiative,” Zelaya said.
For his part, the President of the BCIE, Dante Mossi, stated that “the BCIE created a foundation with the aim of providing education and health services on a non-refundable basis. What we signed today is not a loan, it is a donation to give hope to the Roque Dalton scholarships,” and he added, “It is an honor to work with the team designing these scholarships and putting them into practice. We hope to see young people succeed and advance in their lives quickly thanks to this non-refundable contribution from the BCIE.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education highlighted that “The Roque Dalton scholarships are a leap in quality in the educational process, and the Central American Bank is starting with a contribution of $625,000, which adds to the funds that the government of President Bukele is contributing.”
The finance minister emphasized that the BCIE is not only supporting financially but has also driven the My New School program.
“The My New School program was initially driven together with the Central American Bank and continues to be driven. Now there are many more partners within the My New School program, and we have also been able to collaborate with other countries by helping them with the My New School model,” he added.
It is worth reiterating that President Nayib Bukele announced last week the start of the delivery of Roque Dalton Presidential scholarships to thousands of Salvadoran youth from low-income families.
“We have started to deliver the Roque Dalton Presidential Scholarships. Soon, thousands of Salvadoran youth will have EVERYTHING they need to fulfill their dreams,” the president informed through his Twitter account.
“Today, we reward your effort and your desire to continue learning with the Roque Dalton Presidential Scholarships,” reads part of the letter delivered to the scholarship recipients, which details that they can carry out their university studies with “enrollment, tuition, and education expenses.”
The scholarship also includes a computer with free internet, as well as monthly gift cards for supermarket expenses. Students will also be provided with accommodation, a bed, a kitchen area, a washing area, and “all basic services paid.”