Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
Twenty‑eight students are set to leave the country tomorrow for Serbia, where they will pursue studies in various disciplines under a scholarship programme.
The group comprises 12 females and 16 males.
The students were yesterday hosted by Serbian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Radisa Grujić, at a send‑off ceremony held at the embassy offices in Harare.
Ambassador Grujić said Zimbabwe was topping the list of African and global beneficiaries of the scholarship programme offered by his country. He added that more students were expected to benefit in future, in line with the growing bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Serbia.
“Here, within the Embassy complex, we preserve and protect an important historical testimony — 45 years of diplomatic and bilateral cooperation between Zimbabwe and, first, Yugoslavia, and today, Serbia,” he said.
“It is my personal pleasure and great privilege to stand among you. For many of us, student life was the most beautiful and formative period of our lives — a time that shaped us and taught us how to face challenges with courage and responsibility.
“Education, together with family and the broader social environment, is one of the key pillars of human development. It is also the driving force of every society.”
Ambassador Grujić said Serbia remained committed to improving standards and conditions in science education.
“That is why the World in Serbia project was established in 2012, specifically designed to provide sponsored education for students from Member States of the Non‑Aligned Movement,” he said.
He noted that seven Zimbabwean students were currently studying in Serbia.
“With a total of 35 Zimbabwean students in Belgrade, you will have the opportunity to organise many additional activities — perhaps even form one or two sports teams, and participate in cultural events by presenting your music, dance, songs and traditional attire.”
Ambassador Grujić urged students to take advantage of their stay to participate in the Specialised Exhibition EXPO 2027, scheduled for May 15 to August 15 next year. He said he had engaged ZimTrade to ensure the students were part of the event.
“Next year, Serbia will host one of the most prestigious and widely attended global events — the Specialised Exhibition EXPO 2027 — in which Zimbabwe will also participate.
I have already spoken with the CEO of ZimTrade, Allan Majuru, who will serve as Zimbabwe’s Commissioner at the Exhibition, and he is counting seriously on you to be part of the Zimbabwean team and to help present your country in the best possible way.”
He reminded the students that they were a bridge between Zimbabwe and Serbia and should connect the two nations in various fields, including culture.
“After completing your education in Serbia, you will hold a privileged position in both countries. You will become a strong bridge — a steel bridge and a wireless connection — between two nations and two states. You will connect people, cultures and diversity. You will be true ambassadors of knowledge, science and humanity.”
Chief Director responsible for Presidential and National Scholarships, Dr Wadzanai Kachere, said the scholarships complemented Government efforts to increase skilled experts as outlined in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
She said the department received its first batch of scholarship offers from the Republic of Serbia in 2022, consisting of five slots under the World in Serbia programme. In 2023, three students travelled to Serbia to study Medicine, Mining Engineering and Chemical Engineering, while in 2024 four others enrolled in Medicine, Computer Science and Mechatronics Engineering.
“The Department received a higher number of scholarships in 2025, with a total of 30 awards granted. Of these, 28 students are travelling to Serbia to study various programmes under the STEM disciplines,” she said.
She added that the scholarships covered physiotherapy, aeronautical engineering, medicine and surgery, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, civil engineering, actuarial science, dentistry, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, metallurgy and agricultural economics.
Dr Kachere urged the students to represent the country well and return with knowledge and skills. She applauded parents and guardians for providing emotional support from the time of application to date.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s principal human capital planning and skills development officer, Mr James Kapuma, also urged the students to conduct themselves with dignity during their studies in Serbia.
Peter Tanyanyiwa