Another 1,600
students from 21 countries begin medical studies
•
New U.S. group arrive
BY ELSON
CONCEPCION PÉREZ—Granma daily staff writer—
THE families of these young people
from the United States are very happy that they are
to study medicine in Cuba, according to Pastors for
Peace leader Lucius Walker, on his arrival at José
Martí Airport. He was accompanying six of the youth
who are now part of the student body at the Latin
American School of Medical Studies.
This
new group is joining 60 other U.S. students from who
are already studying at the school, some of them in
their fifth or sixth (final) year.
The new group’s arrival kicked off
the reception of 1,600 new students from 21
countries who are beginning their first year, and
will join the 6,925 who are currently studying at
the Latin American School of Medical Studies and in
the 21 faculties of medicine in 13 provinces. Added
to them are young people from the French-speaking
countries of Haiti, Mali and Djibouti who are
undertaking medical studies in Santiago de Cuba.
This means that as of March, more
than 8,000 young people from Latin America, the
Caribbean, some African countries and the United
States will be receiving training as doctors in
Cuban higher education centers.
THE STUDENTS SPEAK
Having just arrived, the students
from the United States were welcomed by Dr. José R.
Miyar Barrueco, secretary of the Council of State
and of the executive of the Latin American School of
Medical Studies. They all spoke in turn of their
feelings at being selected to study in Cuba.
"Very satisfied. We are happy to be
here. It is a unique opportunity." (Danika
Washington, Chicago).
"I feel happy and proud, very
motivated. It is a joy to be have been accepted to
study here." (Nekita Warren, Florida).
"It is the greatest and best
experience of my life." (Warren Amous, San
Francisco, California).
"(I want to) take advantage of the
opportunity to learn and get to know Cuban culture."
(Evangeline Oriako, Atlanta, Georgia).
"Thank you to the Cuban government
for having given us the opportunity to study in this
country." (Vishal Shetty, New York).
"It is a great honor to be educated
as a doctor to help my community." (Megan Leben,
Atlanta).
