By Abu Bakarr Kargbo
A vibrant ceremony held at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown marked the occasion where 174 students and school pupils from Sierra Leone were honored with this year’s prestigious Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship and Grant Awards. Among the recipients, 144 were awarded the Ambassador Grant, while 30 received the Ambassador Scholarship, recognizing their academic achievements and positive attitudes towards learning.
Ambassador Wang Qing, the esteemed Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, emphasized the significance of education and human development in his address to government officials, university representatives, and school authorities in attendance. Commending the awardees for meeting the stringent selection criteria following a comprehensive vetting process, Ambassador Wang highlighted their outstanding academic performance and exemplary conduct, expressing pride on behalf of the embassy. He expressed gratitude to the Government Information Ministries for their unwavering support throughout the selection process.
Expressing his delight at witnessing Sierra Leone’s educational progress and the strides taken in advancing Free Quality Education initiatives, Ambassador Wang underscored the pivotal role of sustained investment in education in shaping the future of the nation. He noted that 189 students from Sierra Leone had enrolled in various Chinese universities, with over 700 Sierra Leoneans participating in educational programs and exchanges in China this year. As he affirmed China’s commitment to supporting education in Africa, Ambassador Wang designated 2026 as a significant year for enhancing people-to-people cooperation between China and the continent.
Moreover, Ambassador Wang emphasized the enduring impact of the Ambassador’s Scholarship and Grant Awards in empowering young individuals in Sierra Leone to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to national development. Encouraging the recipients to remain diligent and dedicated to their studies, he urged them to play an active role in supporting the country’s growth and prosperity.
Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education, lauded the strong bond between the People’s Republic of China and Sierra Leone, emphasizing the pivotal role of educational investments in nurturing the country’s future leaders. Describing the scholarships as a strategic investment in the youth for a brighter tomorrow, the Minister called upon the awardees to harness their potential and effect positive changes within their communities. She urged the recipients to serve as exemplary ambassadors of Sierra Leone, embodying the values of excellence and leadership.
Echoing these sentiments, Conrad Sackey, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, emphasized the educational partnership between China and Sierra Leone as a shared commitment towards enhancing educational opportunities in the country. Recognizing the scholarships as vital investments in shaping the nation’s future, Minister Sackey encouraged the recipients to actively engage in nation-building efforts and contribute to the socio-economic progress of Sierra Leone.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the atmosphere was infused with a sense of optimism and determination, as the awardees embarked on their educational journeys with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to excellence.
The Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship and Grant Awards ceremony not only celebrated academic achievement but also symbolized the enduring friendship and collaboration between China and Sierra Leone in advancing education and fostering human development for a brighter future.
