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THIRTY Harare Polytechnic students are in China for an exchange programme with Ningbo Polytechnic China.
The two polytechnics signed a pact to work together.
The exchange programme will enable the students to study for a Diploma in Mechatronics in China for 18 months.
Speaking on behalf of Permanent Secretary of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Professor Fanuel Tagwira, Director for Tertiary Education Programmes, Darlington Damba, commended Harare Polytechnic for its effort in the internationalization of education.
He said the training centre has massively contributed to the development of the country.
“Harare Polytechnic has immensely contributed to the nation’s manpower development efforts through churning out graduates with practical skills needed to spur economic development.
“I, therefore, keep on encouraging students to work very hard to bring solutions to prevailing industrial challenges.
“Work very hard and master the critical skills which, if domesticated back home, will amplify the industrialisation and modernisation of our economy,” said Damba.
He said the nation was looking forward to better results for the first mechatronic students to go to China under the programme.
“As I confidently and proudly send you off to China, remember, the nation has very high expectations that upon your return you will help in the economy sector.
“Go and learn, scout for skills, business ideas and development partnerships,” said Damba.
Last year, Harare Polytechnic and Ningbo Polytechnic signed a Memorandum of Agreement in which the two polytechnics agreed to cooperate in knowledge and technology transfer, cultural exchange programmes, training of staff and students in emerging science, technology and engineering.
The agreement will span for five years and during the period 90 students are expected to benefit from the program.
The first batch of students comprises eight female and 12 male students.
One of the students, Saluph Manyepa, thanked the institution for the opportunity to further their studies.
“As students, we see the programme as a life-changing opportunity in the sense that Mechatronics is an essential programme in the modern trends of digital economy within the global production circles.
“We hope as students to be agents of technology transfer from China to Zimbabwe,” said Manyepa.
Acting Harare Polytechnic Principal Deborah Ruziwa thanked the Ministry for its efforts in creating an environment for this partnership. She also guaranteed the parents of travelling students that the institution has footed every bill for the students and also gave the students cushioning allowances.
Online Reporter