Chinese government awards scholarships to 39 Namibians

WINDHOEK, 23 AUG  – Thirty-nine Namibians have been awarded scholarships by the Chinese government to study in China.
Announcing the awarding of the bursaries here on Thursday, China’s Ambassador to Namibia, Zhang Yiming said this is not the first group of students to benefit from these scholarships.

“Since 2016, the Chinese government has provided short-term training opportunities for Namibia and nearly 40 government-sponsored scholarships every year,” Zhang added, noting that the two countries’ cooperation has led to fruitful achievements.

The ambassador urged the students to learn hard and perform well as promoters of China-Namibia cooperation.

“You were born in Africa, will study in China and you have the unique advantage of mastering eastern and western cultures. Therefore, you have the responsibility to play pioneering roles in promoting the understanding of our people and enhancing the friendship of our two countries,” he said.

Director of the Chinese Embassy’s Political Section, Feng Deheng, told Nampa the beneficiaries’ fields of study include engineering, medical science, international trade and economy and telecommunication.

Also speaking to this news agency was the chairperson of the Namibia China Alumni Association, Rodney Sikopo, who expressed concern about Namibians not making use of opportunities available in terms of international scholarships.

“People making use of such opportunities are mostly from the Khomas region and the northern regions,” he said, adding that people from regions such as Kunene, Hardap, //Kharas and Otjozondjupa are not applying.
He urged the relevant education authorities to sensitise local communities about the opportunity, which he said will ultimately benefit the country.
The beneficiaries are expected to leave for China at the beginning of September. – NAMPA