By Fatou Dahaba
To support the country’s education needs, the Chinese Embassy in Banjul delivered admission letters on Wednesday, 26th July 2023, to ten Gambian students who gained a Chinese Government Scholarship to study in China.
According to officials, the scholarship program will further strengthen the bilateral and multilateral Cooperation between the two sister countries.
The officials say that China-Gambia relations have made significant progress and Cooperation in various areas and deepened, bringing tangible benefits to the two countries.
The Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia, His Excellency Liu Jin, said since the resumption of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, more than 280 Gambian Students have received scholarships to study in China.
“One hundred fifty-five graduates have returned to the Gambia for further development, and 100 students are studying in China now,” the chief Chinese diplomat in Banjul revealed.
In addition, he said the Chinese government provides various bilateral and multilateral training programs and capacity building for the Gambia.
“After the pandemic, exchanges and Cooperation in various areas between the two countries are accelerating. More than 300 Gambian friends will go to China this year. This will inject new impetus into the further development of friendly China-Gambia relations,” He added.
Ambassador Liu Jin said China is working hard to develop itself and is committed to growing with other developing countries that share its vision and building a human community with a shared future.
“Your majors include information and communication, electrical, and other science and engineering majors. These subjects are all urgently needed for the Gambia’s economy and industry development,” Ambassador Liu said.
Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education Research Science and Technology, commended the People’s Republic of China through Ambassador Liu for their continued support to the Gambia and her people.
He said the lesson to learn from Beijing to Banjul is building the image of one country and preserving it.
He added that now is the time for all to sit up and revisit the higher education system, and everyone should join that transformation agenda.
Prof. Gomez advises the beneficiary students to make the best use of the opportunity and be good ambassadors of the Gambia ‘because China as a true friend of the Gambia, wants to support the country’s youth.’
Alieu Bittaye offered a Ph.D. program in China and expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for the prestigious scholarship the Chinese government provided them.
Speaking on his colleagues’ behalf, Alieu thanked the selection committee for recognizing their hard work, dedication, and potential. ‘The faith they have placed in us through this scholarship will undoubtedly serve as a driving force to excel in our academic pursuits.’
“As we accept this scholarship, we are humbled by the responsibility it bestows upon us. We pledge to make the most of this opportunity and utilize every resource available to us to impact society positively. We are determined to give back and make a difference in the lives of others, just as this scholarship has done for us,” Alieu said.
