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Talent Chimutambgi Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe-China relations continue to grow in several facets with China reaffirming its commitment to supporting underprivileged pupils.
The programme, which is part of the China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship initiative running under the aegis of China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre (CZEC), has seen a considerable number of local students benefiting up to university level.
Under this initiative, the relations are underpinned on education and on a cultural basis which has a direct bearing on the country’s renaissance.
In a statement CZEC chairman Mr Steve Ke Zhao said the initiative was anchored on Sustainable Development Goal number 4 of ensuring inclusive equitable quality education as well as promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Mr Zhao said the scholarship programme was meant to be a bridge between the two countries whose relations date back to the liberation struggle when the Asian giant rendered support to the decolonisation process.
Apart from educational support, his country was also assisting families through provision of basic needs.
“The ongoing initiatives between Zimbabwe and China aim to serve as a bridge between the two nations. The private voluntary organisation pertains to the Zimbabwe Economic and Cultural Exchange Center, which mainly focuses on youth programmes and education. The future of the country depends upon its students. Like Zimbabwe, China focuses greater emphasis on cultural education. We provide scholarships, and we also primarily provide food and clothing for those who are disadvantaged,” said Mr Zhao.
“The China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship initiative, funded by the Chinese government, grants scholarships for education to less privileged students,” he said.
“Insufficient and inequitable access to high-quality tertiary education stands in the way of Africa’s economic development and poverty eradication. The main aim of SDG four is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all,” said Mr Zhao.
Mr Zhao said their Government helps financially disadvantaged students pay their tuition and more than 500 pupils have so far benefited.
“The initiative is a component of the China Zimbabwe Exchange Center, which started in 2020 and has more than 500 primary and tertiary-level beneficiaries,” said Mr Zhao.
Mr Zhao said the primary objective of the CZEC was to cement the existing bilateral ties between the two countries in several facets aimed at developing communities after being embraced by the embassy and bankrolled by the Chinese business community.
“The China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, a private nonprofit, aims to strengthen ties between China and Zimbabwe while advancing sustainable projects like community development and scholarships. The programme gained traction with the endorsement of the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe and financial support from the Chinese business community in Zimbabwe. The main goal was to give back to the community as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Recently, Midlands State University (MSU) Director-Marketing and Communications Mrs Mirirai Mawere applauded the CZEC for the initiative, adding 11 students are currently part of the initiative.
“MSU expresses sincere gratitude for the opportunities that the CZEC has afforded our students. We are confident that the 11 students who received full scholarships will continue to maximize this opportunity, positively impacting society and the economy, in line with our mission to produce and nurture innovative graduates who positively shape the world. We eagerly anticipate a continued and fruitful partnership with the CZEC, working together to achieve even greater success,” said Mawere.
CZEC signed memorandums of understanding with six universities: the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and Midlands State University (MSU) in 2021, and in 2022 was for Lupane University. Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) and Harare Polytechnic signed on this year.
Each university has 10 beneficiaries who are under the scholarship programme. Students are the future leaders of the country, hence the need for them to get educated so that they can be great leaders.
CZEC over the years has engaged in community development programmes in Mbare, Mabvuku, and Bulawayo as well as the construction of Yamurai Foundation, and I am Mbare.
CZEC also offers food and clothing in Bulawayo and helps the community members develop their abilities to find employment in various fields.
CZEC General manager Mr Donald Rushambwa said China was committed to help Zimbabwe to attain its national goals.
“China and Zimbabwe are effective partners in the development of the Zimbabwean community. China would consistently and genuinely assist Zimbabwe in achieving Vision 2030 and making further economic and social development strides. The relationship of trust between China and Zimbabwe is bound to reach a new level as both countries cooperate closely,” said Mr Rushambwa.
Carlos Zvakavapano, a beneficiary from MSU, expressed his gratitude to CZEC insisting the programme helped him to sail through his education during the Covid-19 era.
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