By Ibrahim Sesay
In a vibrant ceremony held on December 6, 2024, at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, 177 students from primary to tertiary levels were honored with the prestigious Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship and Grant Awards. The initiative, aimed at fostering human capital development and strengthening diplomatic ties, saw 144 students receive the Ambassador’s Grant, while 30 students were awarded the distinguished Ambassador’s Scholarship.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Wang Qing, underscored the importance of education as a catalyst for national development. Addressing Government officials, school authorities and university representatives, His Excellency Wang Qing expressed pride in the awardees, noting that their selection followed a comprehensive vetting process that highlighted academic excellence and exemplary conduct.
“Since its inception in 2015, this program has benefited 340 students with grant support and 200 students with scholarships. This year alone, 177 more students join this legacy of opportunity. It is a testament to the enduring friendship between China and Sierra Leone,” stated Ambassador Wang Qing.
He further emphasized China’s long-term commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s educational sector, referencing President Julius Maada Bio’s visit to China in February 2024. During that visit, President Bio and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to deepen bilateral relations under a “comprehensive strategic cooperation” framework aimed at building a shared future. Ambassador Wang Qing urged the scholarship and grant recipients to use the opportunity wisely, remain focused and contribute to Sierra Leone’s growth and development.
The Ambassador also revealed that 189 students from Sierra Leone had enrolled in Chinese universities this year, with over 700 participating in educational exchange programs in China. He described 2026 as a significant year for strengthening people-to-people cooperation between China and Africa, pledging that the Chinese Embassy would continue working with Ministries and educational institutions to increase access to such opportunities for Sierra Leonean students.
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, hailed the Chinese Government for its unwavering support for Sierra Leone’s education sector, particularly through capacity-building initiatives like the scholarship and grant program.
“The Chinese Ambassador Scholarship and Grant Awards are more than just financial assistance; they are an investment in our future leaders, innovators and problem-solvers,” she noted.
Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie recalled her participation in the China-Africa UNESCO Education Dialogue in September, where she signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Beifang Automotive Training Institute to provide technical assistance in vocational education and offer scholarships for young Sierra Leoneans. She expressed hope that the collaboration would open more opportunities for students to acquire specialized skills that contribute to national development.
In her message to the beneficiaries, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie urged them to utilize the opportunity wisely, exhibit good character and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, echoed similar sentiments, expressing gratitude to the Chinese Ambassador and Government for recognizing the importance of nurturing talents and investing in the next generation of Sierra Leone’s leaders.
“These scholarships and grants are an investment in Sierra Leone’s future. They offer students a chance to dream big and achieve even greater. We thank the Chinese government for supporting our educational system and hope that this partnership continues to grow,” Minister Conrad Sackey said.
For the students, the award was more than just a financial boost, it was a lifeline toward their educational dreams. One of the beneficiaries, Sawie Keifala, a third-year student from Eastern Technical University, expressed gratitude to Ambassador Wang and the Chinese Government for the opportunity.
“This scholarship is a valuable learning opportunity for me and all the recipients. It has lessened the financial burden on my family and allowed me to focus on my studies,” Sawie Keifala said. He urged fellow awardees to remain dedicated to their education and to make Sierra Leone proud.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the mood was one of optimism and hope. Students left the Embassy with Certificates in hand, ready to embark on a renewed academic journey filled with purpose and ambition. The Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship and Grant Awards continue to symbolize the strong diplomatic relationship between Sierra Leone and China, with education serving as a key pillar of their shared vision for a brighter future.
