China Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship Rewards 61 High Achieving Students

Sixty one Zimbabwean students received scholarships on Friday under the China Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship program. The awards recognized strong academic performance and Chinese language skills. The ceremony took place in Harare.

Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Innovation Science and Technology Development Frederick Shava said the partnership in education continues to strengthen the strategic relationship between the two countries. He said the scholarship shows China’s support for Zimbabwe’s human capital development. He added that the program aligns with a shared goal to advance national development through skills, knowledge and innovation.

He encouraged both nations to deepen cooperation in higher education, innovation, science and technology as they mark forty five years of diplomatic relations. He said this cooperation can help build a future shaped by shared growth and mutual understanding.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the scholarship is more than financial support. He called it an investment in students and recognition of their effort. He said China and Zimbabwe have built a strong education partnership over the years through exchanges, scholarship programs and inter university collaboration. He said this cooperation forms an important part of the broader relationship between the two countries.

Scholarship recipient Kundiso Hwerekwere said the award motivates him to improve his Chinese language skills. He said learning the language has helped him understand Chinese culture. He noted that his interest started when he watched Chinese movies as a child.

Nineteen students also received awards for an essay contest held to mark the forty fifth anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe.