Post a comment
The Chinese Embassy in Freetown, 174 Sierra Leonean students and school pupils were honored with the prestigious Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship and Grant Awards for 2024.
This year, 144 students received the Ambassador Grant, while 30 outstanding recipients were awarded the Ambassador Scholarship, recognizing their exceptional academic achievements and commitment to learning.
The event, attended by government officials, university representatives, and school authorities, was graced by the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing. In his keynote address, Ambassador Wang underscored the importance of education as a cornerstone for human development and national progress.
He commended the recipients for their hard work and discipline, noting that the rigorous selection process highlighted their exemplary performance and dedication to education. He also expressed gratitude to the Government Information Ministries for their role in facilitating the awards.
Ambassador Wang emphasized the critical role of education in shaping Sierra Leone’s future, citing the progress made in the country’s Free Quality Education program.
He shared that 189 Sierra Leonean students had enrolled in Chinese universities this year, with over 700 participating in educational exchanges and training programs in China. Looking ahead to 2026, Ambassador Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening educational and cultural ties with Africa, designating it as a milestone year for enhanced people-to-people cooperation.
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, praised the scholarships as a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s youth, describing them as an opportunity to cultivate future leaders. She encouraged the awardees to leverage their education to bring about transformative change in their communities and serve as role models for excellence and leadership.
Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, highlighted the strong educational partnership between China and Sierra Leone, recognizing the scholarships as an essential contribution to the nation’s development. He urged the recipients to embrace their role in nation-building, emphasizing the significance of education in driving socio-economic progress.
As the ceremony concluded, a sense of optimism and determination filled the room. The recipients, now equipped with enhanced opportunities, pledged to use their education to contribute to Sierra Leone’s growth and prosperity.
The Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship and Grant Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also reaffirmed the enduring friendship between China and Sierra Leone. The event symbolized the shared vision of both nations to empower the next generation through education, fostering human development for a brighter and more prosperous future.
