CHINA believes that young people are the future of a country and the hope of a nation, the Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Honiara said yesterday.
Charges d’affaires and Minister Counselor Ding was speaking at a brief ceremony marking the provision of desks and chairs provided by the Embassy to Yandina Community High School.
The desks and chairs were requested last May by the School Principal, Brian Vaka.
“We Chinese believe that young people are the future of a country and the hope of a nation. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Solomon Islands nearly four years ago, Chinese side has placed the education sector as one of the fundamental areas of practical cooperation between our two countries.
“As a good brother and a good partner, China has firmly supported education development in Solomon Islands,” Minister Counsellor Ding said.
He said China has been providing government scholarships for students who are willing to study in China.
“As of June this year, about 103 students are now studying in China for professional knowledge and skills. This year, 34 more will be admitted by the Scholarship (Board).
“We believe once they graduate from Chinese Universities, they will bring drastic new ideas and impetus to this country’s development. I hereby encourage students from Yandina Community High School to find opportunities in China’s future scholarship programs,” he said.
Principal Vaka [pictured top right] said yesterday he was grateful for China’s generosity in providing the desks and chairs for his students numbering around 600 students in both primary and high school.
He said this is the second time a foreign donor had provided assistance to the school.
Australia provided solar panels and lights valued at $100, 000.
Mr Vaka thanked the government and people of China for the support of desks and chairs valued at $36, 000.
“As these are gifts from your good government and people, may I assure your Sir that we will look after them with due care not only for the benefit of the current users but for those that may come thereafter,” he said
Mr Vaka said the school is still in need of computers and express the hope that a future request for assistance would be entertained.
By Alfred Sasako
