Otjomuise Primary School benefit from first Chinese Ambassadorial Scholarship

Robert Maseka

WINDHOEK, 13 JUNE – After their staunch work and academic achievements, 10 learners from Otjomuise Primary School earned themselves scholarships as part of the Chinese Embassy’s Ambassador Scholarship initiative, earlier today.

The first Chinese Ambassador Scholarship recipients Naituwe Shaakumeni, Linekela Shimooli, Imunye Sizuka, Akia Malakia, Lennie Uutoni, Idda Alfeus, Kandjashili Haihambo, Ester Sem, Hilka Heita and Michael Kathindi were awarded a combined N$20 000.00, as well as certificates for their efforts. Each of those 10 will receive $2 000.

Speaking at the award ceremony, founder of the ”Chinese Ambassodar scholarship” Ambassador Zhang Yiming said that the idea behind the scholarship’s establishment was born after he was invited by the country representative of World Food Program  to inspect the “Nutritious Lunch Plan” at the Otjimuise Primary School.

“I have found that many students have lunch in the open air due to the lack of necessary infrastructure. However, though the students were in difficult conditions, their bright smiles and optimistic attitudes impressed me a lot. I initiated to establish the ‘Chinese Ambassador Scholarship’ in Namibia, and Otjomuise Primary School will be the first one to benefit. Today, I am here to fulfill my promise.” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Deputy Director of Programmes and Quality Assurance, Mr Paulus Lewin said that it is the role of all players in the country to make sure that children have access to quality, equity education in Namibia.

“The Namibian government appreciates the commitment of the Chinese government for their unwavering support to the education and in other sectors of the Namibian economy, in which they give the necessary support,” he said.

Ambassador Yiming added that the scholarship was not specifically targeted at improving the School, but also conveyed deep and sincere friendship, and best wishes from its Chinese friends.

Chinese-Ambassador-Zhang-Yiming-and-Otjomuise-Primary-School-Principal-Mr.-Abraham-Saal-Chating-to-Learners-during-the-award-ceremony

“We are willing to try our best to help Namibian students in their studies and (we) encourage them to work harder, master more skills and therefore realise their dreams,” said Yiming.

He concluded with a Chinese adage: the youth are strong, the country will be powerful.

“Education carries the inspiration and prosperity of the nation. It is an important and noble course that will benefit the country and the people’s for generations to come. Dear students, please make every effort to study harder, maybe one day you could have an opportunity to work, study or travel around in China. Finally, congratulations to all the prize-winners!”

mrobert@namibiadailynews.info