15 June 2009

Eight Chevening Scholars are undertaking a two week Professional International Networking (PIN) placement organised by the Welsh Assembly Government.  The first week of the placement was spent at the National Assembly for Wales, where the Scholars had the chance to hear about devolution first hand from senior staff at the National Assembly for Wales.  After meeting several Assembly Members, the week culminated in a meeting with the First Minister, the Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan.

During the meeting, the First Minister spoke to the scholars about their aspirations in their individual areas of professional interest.  The scholars were able to tell the First Minister about their experience of studying in Wales and they ways in which their learning will be put into practice on their return.

Earlier, the PIN scholars met Lawrence Conway, Director of the Department for the First Minister.  Mr Conway, who is soon to retire, expressed his hope that in the future, he would be hearing of the scholars as they return home to work in their chosen fields and distinguish themselves as leaders and influencers of the future.

Next week each of the scholars will be hosted by a department of the Welsh Assembly Government, for further experience of particular relevance to their own field of study.  

The scholars, who represent eight different nationalities, are studying in Wales on the prestigious Chevening scholarship scheme, which is sponsored by the FCO.  The Professional International Networking scheme is run by British Council Wales; the scheme is designed to share learning and experience.  In previous years the opportunity has been welcomed as an experience sharing and networking opportunity by the scholars and the host organisations.  The programme is open to all British Council-managed scholars studying in Wales.

Over the summer, the PIN programme will see three British Council managed scholars undertake further placements at BBC Wales.