A Path to Personal Development
Tears of joy strea-med down Taurai Tawanda’s face upon learning that she had been awarded a scholarship under the China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship Programme for academic excellence.
“I am grateful to the authorities who have made it possible for me to hone my skills in teaching the Chinese language, especially as our language consultancy firm is about to introduce Chinese to our learners,” Tawanda told ChinAfrica.
She said the scholarship is a game-changer in her teaching career, as it will help to broaden and enrich her job prospects, particularly among key Chinese companies based in Zimbabwe.
As a qualified linguistics teacher in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, the 30-year-old is proud to have unlocked a treasure trove of opportunities in Chinese cultural, academic, and professional fields. “This opportunity is timely for me to perfect my Chinese teaching skills. My dream is to study this field at an advanced level so that I can become an international interpreter.”
Breaking the barriers
China has become Zimbabwe’s largest foreign investor, with significant investments in mining, mineral processing, construction, and manufacturing, according to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency.
Data from the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe shows that over 100,000 locals are employed by Chinese businesses operating in the country.
For this reason, the role of the Confucius Institute in providing Chinese language instruction at various educational levels has become increasingly vital. Knowledge of the Chinese language is enabling Zimbabweans to secure jobs and business opportunities, illustrating the practical socio-economic impact of this learning.
“I would like to congratulate the 52 scholarship recipients and encourage them to embrace the opportunities that come with studying the Chinese language and culture. Their efforts will contribute to Zimbabwe’s modernisation and further solidify the partnership with China,” said Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding during the 2024 China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship Awarding Ceremony, held on 21 January at the Chinese Embassy in Harare.
Zhou stressed the need to strengthen diplomatic and educational ties between China and Zimbabwe, noting that the upcoming 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations shows China’s commitment to enhancing people-to-people exchanges and supporting Zimbabwe’s educational development.
The Chinese envoy noted that, in a bid to promote Chinese language learning in Zimbabwe, the University of Zimbabwe became one of the first higher education institutions in Africa to host a Confucius Institute in 2006.
“To date, over 16,000 students have attended Chinese language classes. Each year, several students receive scholarships to further their studies in China.”
Diverse opportunities
Pursuing a career in the Chinese language opens up diverse opportunities in international business, translation, interpretation, education, government relations, cultural consulting, journalism, and tourism, particularly due to China’s growing global economic influence.
Speaking at the same event, Simelisizwe Sibanda, deputy minister of higher and tertiary education, innovation, science and technology development, expressed gratitude for China’s continued support in human resource development.
Thomas Utete, Zimbabwe’s permanent secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, added that the initiative has come at an opportune time as the government is implementing various strategies to improve employment levels and enhance living standards.
“This initiative demonstrates the commitment of the private sector, particularly the Chinese business community, in complementing the government’s efforts to create job opportunities and enhance human capital development for our citizens,” said Utete, adding that it strengthens bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, Laston Mukaro from the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe emphasised the institute’s dedication to promoting Chinese language education and enhancing opportunities for Zimbabwean youth.
The 52 scholars who received scholarships under the China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship Programme for academic excellence were drawn from the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe, Chinese language teaching schools affiliated with the university, and other Chinese language institutions across Zimbabwe.
The scholarship programme embodies China’s vision of fostering a community of shared dreams, aspirations, and prosperity, said Mukaro. By mastering Chinese, students are not only enhancing their communication skills, but also positioning themselves for success in a globalised world where China plays a major role in commerce, technology, and culture.
Launched in 2020 by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe in collaboration with the University of Zimbabwe, the scholarship supports Zimbabwean students in completing their studies.
Albert Moyo, 35, is among the scholars who have expressed commitment to mastering the Chinese language and serving as a cultural ambassador to strengthen Zimbabwe-China relations.
“Essentially, any role where fluency in Chinese is valuable for interacting with Chinese companies, individuals, or markets excites me. I want to bring back the knowledge I acquire in China and use it here,” he told ChinAfrica.
