There is no better way of helping new nations of Latin America, Africa and Asia in their present pursuit of freedom and better living conditions than by assisting them to develop their human resources through education” -- President Kennedy to the Board of Foreign Scholarships at the White House, February 27, 1961.

Among problems shared by most people of Africa are those resulting from an insufficiency of qualified technicians, teachers, doctors, engineers, agricultural experts, economists and public administrators. In many cases they must rely on foreign experts to perform essential services until Africans themselves are trained these modern skills. While conditions vary from country to country, most African nations are unable to fill their basic educational needs. Demand for educational opportunity has swept the continent and increasing numbers of young Africans are asking for the opportunity to study in this country.