Eleven Seychellois gain scholarships to study in China |14 August 2009

The students, who will leave for the People’s Republic of China in one group at the end of this month, will pursue studies in agronomy, sports, graphic design, civil engineering, hydrology, fine arts, accounting, urban and rural planning, and human resources management.

Ambassador Wang Weiguo presented them with their travel documents in a ceremony at National House held in the presence of the ministers for Education Bernard Shamlaye and Employment & Human Resource Development Macsuzy Mondon.

Parents and relatives of the students, as well as officials from the two ministries, were also present.

Congratulating the students for their success in winning the scholarships, Mr Wang called on them to make the most of the opportunity to gain all the knowledge and necessary skills that Seychelles needs.

“China is a friend of Africa and a friend of Seychelles, and China is trying to help Seychelles have more educated and skilled manpower,” he said.

He promised the two ministers that more opportunities will be open to Seychellois as Chinese universities explore various other areas of cooperation.

Thanking China on behalf of our government for what she called “the investment in the Seychellois”, chief executive of the National Human Resources Development Council Marina Confait said Seychelles is very grateful.

“Although China is also facing the global challenges, it has not failed to keep its commitment towards the annual ongoing provision of scholarships to Seychellois students,” she said.

She also passed on a message of solidarity from the government and people of Seychelles to the Chinese government and people following the loss of lives and destruction of property caused by last weekend’s typhoon.

In a strong message to the students, who will be joining 36 of their colleagues now studying in China, Mrs Confait called on them to take this great opportunity and to complete their training successfully.

“Be resilient and adapt to the new culture and environment. Face the challenges with a positive mindset. Enjoy your student life without ignoring your priorities,” she told them.

As for the parents and family members, she assured them that having visited China recently herself, she has seen that all is done to provide the students with an environment conducive to learning.

And she called on them to support the students during their years overseas.

Gretelle Isaac, who will be studying agronomy, thanked the Chinese and Seychelles governments for this great opportunity and wished all her fellow students success.