The first batch of 190 Liberian Scholars to China Pre-departure ceremony was today, September 2, held at the Chinese Embassy in Congo Town. According to the Embassy, due to COVID-19 in 2020, there was no way for Liberian scholars to gain scholarships in the People’s Republic of China something which cause the increase of scholarship winners to China this year.
Speaking at the ceremony, China Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Ren Yisheng extend warm congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Chinese Government Scholarships and trainees of short- and long-term training programs. He at the same time expressed gratitude to the Liberian Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other government agencies for their constant support of the educational exchange and cooperation between China and Liberia.
Amb. Yisheng noted that People-to-people exchanges are an important means of deepening the understanding and friendship between the peoples of Liberia and China. According to him in recent years, the Chinese government on average provides about 50 full scholarships to the Liberian government every year and around 200 short- and long-term training opportunities, some of which also include master’s and doctorate degrees.
“We are pleased to note that graduated Liberian students and trainees from the Chinese Government Scholarship and training programs are playing increasingly important roles in their home country. I’m pleased to inform you that, for the 2020-2023 period, the Chinese government will provide altogether 190 full scholarships to Liberian elites, many of whom are leaving for China soon”.
He added that the embassy also provides the Ambassador’s scholarships to more than 100 students of excellence from the University of Liberia, Tubman University, and Cuttington University every year, which has helped the fostering of talents in Liberia.
Amb. Yisheng said China and Liberia are good friends and good brothers. He noted that the Chinese people and relevant universities warmly welcome Liberian students to China to study and stay, and hopes that the students will make the best use of the opportunity to study in China, work hard on the Chinese language and professional knowledge, gain an in-depth understanding of the Chinese culture, and experience the historic development and achievements China has made.
“May you all return home well trained to serve the country and the people, and become the builder of Liberia’s development. At the same time, you are the cultural envoys of Liberia. You are expected to make due contribution to enhancing the China-Liberia friendship and win-win cooperation. I am convinced that this experience will be an enjoyable and unforgettable memory in your life”.
“I wish all the new students a safe journey to China, every success in your study, and an important role to play in the national development of Liberia in the future”.
Representing the Government of Liberia, Education Minister Prof. D. Ansu Sonii thanked the people of China for the opportunities given to Liberian youth. He cautioned the scholars that they are ambassadors of Liberians in China. Minister Sonii pleaded with the scholars to return home and contribute to the education sector to improve the educational system in Liberia instead of running to the office.
He encouraged Liberians to see the country as their own and maintain peace which is important for diplomatic investment among many other opportunities for the growth and development of Liberia.
Also remarking at the Pre-departure ceremony, the University of Liberia President Dr. Julius S. Nelson thanked the government and people of China for the opportunity given to Liberian students. He praised China for the investment in Liberia’s education sector, especially for providing educational opportunities to equip young Liberians.
Dr. Nelson appreciated the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China for the Ambassador scholarship to one hundred (100) students at the State-run University of Liberia every year. He congratulated the scholars for winning the scholarships, expressed confidence in the scholars and trust they do well, and admonished them to use the opportunities wisely.
“Be thankful to your parents, lecturers, and schools and do what you do best in China”.
Meanwhile, the president of Cuttington University Dr. Romelle Horton thanked the government of China for the scholarships given to Liberia students. She proposed that there should be an exchange course and scholarship scheme that will give the opportunity to Chinese students to study languages in Liberia so as to further strengthen the relationship between both countries.
Representing the scholars, Mr. Dweh Nimely thanked the government and the people of China for the opportunity given them. He noted that China has given more scholarships than any other country in the world according to his research.
Mr. Nimely encouraged his colleagues to abide by the laws, rules, and regulations of china, and raise the flag of discipline for more opportunities for Liberian students. He encouraged the scholars to join the Liberian Students Union in China for easy access to information.
