THE Peoples Republic of China (PRC) has awarded 31 scholarships to Solomon Islanders to undertake studies at various in China under its 2024-2025 scholarship program for Solomon Islands.
The Solomon Islands Chinese Embassy, Charge d’Affaires Ding Yonghua congratulated 28 of the 31 scholarship recipients at a farewell dinner in Honiara on Thursday.
He also thanked the Solomon Islands National Government through the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) and Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority for making this round of enrolment another success.
The 28 students will leave for China soon. Three others have have already left.
“I urge the students of Solomon Islands to make good use these opportunities.
“I believe that with the knowledge, vigor and vitality of our youth, our two countries will have a better future and the friendship between our two peoples will continue to flourish,” Mr Ding said.
The Minister of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana advised the students to be good ambassadors of Solomon Islands at the universities in China they will study.
“It is my humble request that you make good use of the scholarships you are offered.
“I would like to caution you that university life in China is totally different. You will have to look after yourselves. There will no longer be a teacher to mentor your daily attendance like what you have experienced during your secondary school days or when you were with your parents.”
Minister Leokana said he deemed it important to advise the students about the importance of university education and life because there were students under PRC scholarships who were not able to complete their studies and returned home.
“So, I’m appealing to you all the recipients of the 2024/2025 Chinese Government scholarships to make use of these opportunities. Use your time to the fullest.
“When you complete your studies, you will be the happiest person ever on that particular day. More importantly, your family at home will also be happy. I have no doubt that your family has a dream for you. So, let not that dream go without fulfilment.”
The Minister told the students to see themselves as cultural envoys of Solomon Islands and they are expected to make positive contribution to enhancing the China-SI friendship.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Islands, Honiara
