Chinese tertiary education enhances prospects of Namibian youth

WINDHOEK, Nov. 11 — Scholarship opportunities offered to locals to pursue studies at Chinese institutions of high learning are enhancing prospects of Namibian youth.
After struggling to secure international scholarships on several occasions, 29 years old Monika Shifotoka from Namibia never imagined studying in China or Asia.
Her break came when she was offered a scholarship by the Chinese government – coordinated through the local Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund to pursue a Master’s Degree at the Communication University of China in 2017, which, she says has set her to a transformative professional path.
The scholarship has offset costs including tuition, accommodation, books fees and offers a monthly stipend.
Another student, Namutenya Iyambo, completed a Master’s Degree in Economics in July 2018 at Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School.
“The school in my first year gave me a half scholarship, and I covered the other half of the tuition fee myself. In my second year, I got a full Chinese government scholarship,” she said.
It is the inquisitiveness to be exposed to the Asian education system that drew Iyambo to China.
“China is one of the fast developing countries. Hence I wanted to tap onto their development drive,” she said.
Meanwhile, according to the graduates, studying in China has enhanced their skills and knowledge.
“Before I went to China, I was not confident in researching my knowledge of research methodologies, and theories of communication were limited. Now I am confident and eager to conduct research projects,” said Shifotoka, who works now as a senior information officer in the public service in Namibia.
Exposure to the Chinese culture has since also transformed Shifotoka’s mindset and moreover vested in her a daring character.
“I was exposed to the Chinese culture, language, way of life, visited the famous Great Wall, Tian’anmen Square and temples. The Chinese people have strong values and cultures, which I emulated,” she said.
For Iyambo, she was able to build a global network.
“China accorded me the chance to learn more about the Chinese culture and to meet up with other international students from all over the world whom I can form partnerships with to advance development in my country and on a global scale,” she said.
Moreover, postgraduate qualifications obtained from Chinese universities has further sparked interest for a career in the academic and other fields.
“I aim for better job prospects within the economics, to use the experience that I have gained in China, especially when it comes to economic policies and modelling,” said Iyambo who works in taxation in Namibia.
In the interim, Shifotoka said that she had grown interested in tutoring positions at Namibian high learning institutions.
“With the postgraduate qualification, I am also motivated to pursue doctoral (PhD) studies in constructive journalism and media literacy fields which I knew little about before studying in China,” she said.
“Moreover, finally, upon completing the PhD, I plan to work at international organizations such as the United Nations, African Union and World Trade Organization,” prospects she attributes to a foundation set by the Chinese postgraduate qualifications, according to Shifotoka.
The Chinese government awards various scholarships to Namibians and has over the years provided development assistance to the education sector in Namibia.