By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening educational cooperation with the government of the People’s Republic of China, following a courtesy visit by Mr. Peng Wang, the newly appointed Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone.
The meeting, held at the Minister’s Conference Room in the Sababu Building, New England Ville, Freetown, served as a platform to discuss ongoing and future collaborations in technical, vocational, and higher education. Mr. Wang was accompanied by Education Officer Liu Siyu.
Mr. Wang emphasized the Chinese government’s commitment to fostering responsible investment in Sierra Leone. He stressed that infrastructure and industrial projects should not only focus on physical development but also prioritize human capital through skills transfer and training.
“We believe investments should not only create infrastructure but also empower Sierra Leoneans, especially youth, with technical and managerial expertise,” Mr. Wang stated. He referenced ongoing Chinese-led projects, such as the automobile assembly plant and Leone Rock, as initiatives that must include sustainable vocational training components.
To further enhance local capacity, Mr. Wang proposed a “train-the-trainer” model, aimed at building a skilled local workforce in vocational and technical education. He also advocated for greater collaboration between Sierra Leonean and Chinese universities and training institutions.
Highlighting China’s commitment to educational support, Mr. Wang announced that on-site interviews for the MOFCOM and Chinese Government Scholarships would be conducted on June 1st at the Kungfu Institute, despite it being a public holiday. He revealed that more than 900 applications had been received, reflecting the high interest among Sierra Leonean youth to pursue studies in China.
He also outlined key areas of future cooperation:
Cultural Exchange Center Project: A feasibility study team from the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) will arrive in June to evaluate a proposed site in Soryong. The center is expected to promote cultural understanding and support programs delivered by the Confucius Institute.
24th Chinese Bridge Competition: The Embassy will host the Chinese language proficiency competition this month, with the Minister invited to deliver a keynote address. Winners will go on to represent Sierra Leone in the international finals in China.
Luban Workshop Initiative: Discussions are progressing to establish a vocational and technical training hub in collaboration with the Tianjin Municipal Government, in line with Sierra Leone’s national workforce development goals.
Welcoming the delegation, Minister Dr. Ramatulai Wurie expressed appreciation for China’s sustained partnership in education and training. “You’ve only been here a month, but it already feels like you’ve been part of us for years,” she remarked, commending Mr. Wang’s proactive engagement.
Dr. Wurie highlighted the impact of scholarship programs such as MOFCOM, the Ambassador’s Scholarship, and the Kono University of Science and Technology-China University of Geosciences MOU, noting they were yielding tangible benefits for Sierra Leonean students.
She also referenced her recent visit to China with President Julius Maada Bio, where they explored agricultural innovations that could contribute to Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone initiative.
The Minister confirmed her attendance at the upcoming Chinese Bridge competition on June 10, where she will deliver an official address.
Both parties reaffirmed their shared vision of strengthening education, cultural exchange, and industrial skills training to equip Sierra Leone’s youth for the demands of a modern economy.
