Scholarship students leaving to study in China after borders re-open [1]
Tuesday, September 6, 2022 - 02:58
Eleven students who have been awarded the Chinese Government's scholarships in the past three-years attended a reception, on 3 September.
The Embassy of China hosted a reception for the recipients who were presented with their admission letters from China's Chargé d' Affaires, Mr Ruan Dewen and Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku.
The Prime Minister extended Tonga's “heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese Government’s continuous generous assistance and commitment for education.”
China
"Up to now, there are altogether around 300 Tongan students who won Chinese government scholarships and studied in China. Now they work in different fields in Tonga, using knowledge and skills learned from China for the development of Tonga, and acting as a bridge of friendship between our two countries."
In addition, considering the impact of the volcanic eruption, tsunami and Covid-19, and especially the very high price of international travel expenses at the moment, the Chinese Embassy decided to cover all the travel expenses for this year’s students, he said.
Recipients also extended their gratitude for the scholarships that will enable them to further their education in China. They are expected to go to China as soon as possible, but the exact time depends on their universities.
The ceremony was for recipients in 2020, 2021 and 2022 who were not able to travel to China, due to the COVID-19 situation.
At the reception were officers from the Ministry of Education and Ministry for Foreign Affairs, students from the Tonga-China Student Alumni Association, recipients and their families.