Dozens Receive Chinese Ambassador Scholarship and Grant
By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay
(232news)
Dozens of outstanding students were honored on Friday, 28th February 2026, as the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Freetown awarded the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship and Grant in a colourful ceremony held at the Embassy’s premises.
The event brought together government officials, education stakeholders, and proud students whose academic excellence earned them the prestigious awards. The ceremony not only celebrated achievement but also highlighted the growing educational partnership between China and Sierra Leone.
Delivering his address, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Ambassador Zhan Yong, congratulated the awardees on behalf of the Embassy and commended their dedication to academic excellence. He also expressed his highest respect and sincere appreciation to Sierra Leone’s Ministers of Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie and Mr. Conrad Sackey, along with all partners who have contributed to strengthening educational cooperation between the two nations.
“A nation’s development depends on talent. Talent flourishes through education,” Ambassador Zhan said, underscoring the central role of education in national progress. He noted that in recent years, practical educational cooperation between China and Sierra Leone has yielded significant results.
Providing a snapshot of that cooperation, the Ambassador revealed that over the past decade more than 500 primary and secondary school students have benefited from the Ambassador’s Grant, while over 230 university students have received the Ambassador’s Scholarship. Additionally, more than 1,000 Sierra Leonean students have pursued studies in China under various Chinese government scholarship programs. Over 6,000 professionals from different sectors have participated in short-term seminars in China, and more than 30,000 Sierra Leonean students have learned the Chinese language through the Confucius Institute.
“These initiatives,” he said, “like countless small streams, have converged into a broad river of educational cooperation between our two countries.”
The Ambassador further placed the ceremony in a broader diplomatic context, noting that this year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone. It also coincides with the “China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges,” an initiative agreed upon by President Xi Jinping and African leaders to deepen friendship and mutual understanding.
Throughout the year, nearly 600 cultural and exchange activities will be held under the theme “Consolidate All-Weather Friendship, Pursue Shared Dream of Modernization.” Ambassador Zhan reaffirmed China’s commitment to expanding collaboration with Sierra Leone, particularly in academic partnerships, vocational education, short-term seminars, and the alignment of educational resources. These efforts, he emphasized, aim to help young people from both countries connect more closely, share aspirations, and contribute jointly to development.
Turning directly to the students, the Ambassador offered words of encouragement:
“When the youth thrive, the nation thrives. When the youth are strong, the nation is strong. You are the future of Sierra Leone and the inheritors of China–Sierra Leone friendship. Transform today’s honor into lasting motivation.”
Also addressing the gathering, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, expressed delight in celebrating the students’ achievements. She congratulated the awardees for their outstanding performance and extended sincere appreciation to the Chinese government for its consistent support of Sierra Leone’s educational advancement.
She acknowledged the practical contributions made, including the donation of a 50KVA generator and the establishment of a cultural exchange center at the university. Dr. Wurie further appealed for expanded opportunities for advanced technical training in China, noting that such exposure would help reshape long-standing perceptions about technical and vocational education in Sierra Leone.
In his remarks, Mr. Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, reminded students that success is never achieved in isolation. It is built on the foundation laid by families, teachers, and government support.
He stressed that the financial assistance awarded is not charity, but recognition of merit, hard work, and proven potential. It reflects a shared belief that excellence deserves acknowledgment and that genuine effort never goes unnoticed.
Encouraging the recipients to remain humble and focused, he urged them to continue striving for greater heights and to use the opportunity wisely.
The ceremony ended on a hopeful note, celebrating not only academic excellence but also the enduring friendship and shared educational aspirations between China and Sierra Leone.
