The Chinese Embassy has continued its scholarship programme by giving 23 students the chance to continue their studies in China covering different disciplines across the country. These students will leave the shores of Sierra Leone Thursday 2nd September to start their courses.

In his short address, the Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy Mr Wang Lushan representing Ambassador Qu Shaofang said they are always happy to host the farewell reception for another batch of 23 Sierra Leonean students who have been awarded scholarships from the Chinese government.

He congratulated the students and expressed his sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education and Foreign Affairs who have rendered great support to the program.

"China and Sierra Leone enjoy a long history of friendly bilateral relations and this year marks the 39th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations". Mr Yang said even though there are vast oceans between the two countries, the friendship between the two peoples has grown stronger over the years.

"Today the Sino-Sierra Leone friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of our people. It has endured the test of time and changes in the world." Mr Yang said education has always ranked as one of the priorities when China renders its support to Sierra Leone and since 1976 they have enrolled more than 300 Sierra Leonean students with Chinese scholarships in around 20 majors, such as medicine, agriculture, civil engineering and business administration.

He also talked about the schools and other infrastructure that China has built for Sierra Leone over the years and said they will do more for the country in the future.

Mr Yang said "I expect each of you to become the envoy of China-Sierra Leone friendship, taking up the responsibility of promoting mutual understanding between our two peoples, and making efforts to develop our friendly relations".

He wishes the entire students a pleasant journey and success in their studies.
Also the Students Secretary of the Ministry of Education representing the Minister of Education Mr Pearce thanked the Chinese government for their continued assistance and advised the students to be ambassadors of their country and to return home after their studies.

Another speaker was the Sino-Sierra Leone friendship President who also praised the Chinese government as the country that gives the highest number of scholarships to Sierra Leoneans and advised the students to study hard and return to join the friendship society as every student who studies in China have the right to be a member.