At least 71 Rwandan students are expected to fly to China to pursue their studies on different scholarships.

The students are going to pursue different disciplines like science, technology, and economics on different levels from bachelor’s and master’s degrees to PhD.

During the send-off ceremony in Kigali on August 23, Ambassador Wang Xuekun, underscored the impact of the educational opportunity the scholars received and the potential for them to contribute to a richer, interconnected world.

"By acquiring cutting-edge knowledge and applying and testing it in practice, you could benefit and achieve a lot in your future career. Most importantly, you could use what you will learn in China to better serve Rwanda,” he said.

Xuekun added that this was a good chance to experience China in person and get to see a true image of the country, a civilization of 5000 years, urging the scholars that they must grow into the backbone in various sectors of Rwanda in the future.

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Education collaboration has always been an important element of China-Rwanda relations, with over 1,500 Rwandan students receiving scholarships to pursue their studies in China.

Pascal Gatabazi, Chief Technical Advisor at Rwanda&039;s Ministry of Education, advised the scholars tostay focused.

"Embrace the challenges that come your way, stay focused on your goals, and remember that you are representing Rwanda in everything you do. We are convinced that you will return not only as graduates but also as global citizens who will help our country progress,” he remarked.

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Apart from the 71 Rwandans who received different academic scholarships, 25 members of the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) also secured scholarship opportunities to study at different Chinese military schools.

Brigadier-General Patrick Karuretwa, Director of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defense, commended the bilateral relationship between the two countries in the field of education and training, highlighting that the knowledge of their personnel will benefit and prepare them to contribute even more to the professionalisation and the journey of their armed forces.

"I wish to congratulate each and every one of you, particularly those in uniform, for your selection to do different studies in China. I know you will enjoy it. I know you will be inspired, and I know you will become smarter, wiser, and stronger,” he said.

Nicole Mylene Mugeni, one of the scholarship recipients, said she was committed to do whatever it takes to acquire skills that will benefit the country when she returns.

"As we prepare to begin this academic journey, we are aware of the challenges that may arise such as adjusting to the new Chinese culture, language barrier, or simply being away from home. But we are committed to do whatever it takes to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge that will benefit us when we return," she said.