Fungi Kwaramba in MOSCOW, Russia
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has urged Zimbabwean students studying in the Russian Federation to return home upon completing their studies and contribute to the country’s transformation and modernisation, describing them as “ambassadors” and a “national investment.”
Addressing Zimbabwean students based in Russia, the President said their decision to study abroad was not merely a personal pursuit, but a contribution to national development.
“Your decision to pursue your studies in the Russian Federation is therefore not only a personal investment, but a national investment. It is an investment in the motherland. You are our investment,” President Mnangagwa said.
The President said the skills, knowledge, experience and international exposure students were acquiring abroad could stimulate innovation and enterprise and contribute to the transformation and modernisation of Zimbabwe when brought back home.
He acknowledged the difficulties faced by students studying away from home, including “unfamiliar systems and cultures, as well as financial pressures,” and said the Government had taken note of administrative and consular challenges raised through the embassy.
“Our relevant authorities will continue to address these matters within the resources and mechanisms available at Government level,” he said.
The President assured students that their welfare was a priority for the Government, stating that efforts were underway to continuously improve support provided to students abroad.
“The objective is to ensure that financial circumstances do not unnecessarily undermine your ability to concentrate on the principal reason for your being here, which is your education,” he said.
The President noted that students were in Russia on individual arrangements, Government scholarships, and through organisations supporting them, but stressed that all shared a common purpose.
“You are all here to acquire skills for the benefit of our motherland,” he said.
President Mnangagwa linked the students’ foreign studies to Zimbabwe’s domestic human capital development agenda, citing the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology
Development’s heritage-based education approach.
He said the Government was working towards creating pathways for Zimbabweans who acquire specialised knowledge abroad to contribute meaningfully to national development upon returning home.
The President challenged students to apply their knowledge to national problems, urging them not to measure success by examinations alone.
“Ask yourselves what problem your knowledge can solve back home, what technology you can develop, what enterprise you can establish, what institution you can strengthen, and what contribution you can make to the development of your motherland,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also cautioned students against losing their national identity, telling them to embrace international exposure while remaining rooted in Zimbabwean values and heritage.
“You can learn Russian, but you can never become Russian. You may be studying in one of the world’s great centres of knowledge and culture, but you remain Zimbabwean for life,” he said.
He urged students to remain focused on their purpose and avoid distractions, reminding them that their education should ultimately benefit themselves, their families, and the nation.
“Do not allow yourselves to be distracted,” the President said.
A student from Angel of Hope Foundation, Purpose Ignatius Wadawareva, who is studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Jurisprudence and Politics, thanked First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for affording him a rare opportunity to improve his life during the interaction with the President.
Tanaka Chiraramire, the president of Zimbabwean Students Association in Russia said the students were on a mission to build Zimbabwe.
“We have chosen these fields on the basis of speaking directly to our Vision 2030,” he said
