China-Cameroon Cooperation : Embassy Bids Farewell To Cameroon Scholarship Recipients

Relations between Cameroon and China have continued to grow from strength to strength over the years, with higher education training being a key component. In this wise, the Chinese Embassy in Cameroon on Thursday, August 22, 2024 held a farewell ceremony for 10 young Cameroonians who have been offered scholarships to study in China. The event was chaired by Mrs. Chen Ya’ou, Minister-Counsellor in the Chinese Embassy in Cameroon. Also present at the event were Mrs. Wanah Litumbe Theresia and Mrs. Balla Solange of the Ministry of Higher Education, and Dr Nama Didier Dieudonne, National Pedagogic Inspector for Chinese language in the Ministry of Secondary Education.
Mrs. Chen Ya’ou said since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cameroon and China, relations have continued to grow from strength to strength. “Since 2006, China has been offering scholarships to Cameroonian students. Over 3,000 Cameroonians have so far studied in China, many of whom have become leaders in their various fields in Cameroon,” Mrs. Chen disclosed. Lauding the role of the Ministry of Higher Education in fostering this relationship.  
She said the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, FOCAC leaders’ summit is to hold in Beijing, China next month. Adding that the 2024 Cameroonian Chinese scholarship recipients will have the privilege to witness the event. “Since the launch of FOCAC in 2000, education has been a key element, and China-Africa educational cooperation has since grown so big,” Mrs. Chen noted. She urged the 2024 Cameroonian recipients of Chinese scholarships to embrace the many opportunities that lie ahead of them. “As ambassadors of Cameroon-China cooperation, your experience in China will become one of the most enriching moments of your life,” the Minister-Counsellor predicted.    
Mrs. Wanah Litumbe Theresia said cooperation between Cameroon and China is old and many young Cameroonians have benefitted from Chinese scholarships. After training in China, many have returned home to contribute to the country’s development, she noted. Mrs. Wanah explained that the Chinese government sends scholarship offers to the government and the announcement is published by the Ministry of Higher Education. An inter-ministry committee, with the Presidency represented, then sits to pre-select candidates. The names are sent to China for the authorities to publish the conclusive list.
The recipients this year will study for different periods, depending on their courses. But the courses range from four to six years. The courses this year are medicine, architecture, agriculture, Computer Sciences, Chinese language, etc. The students will leave for China on August 29, 2024.
“Cameroon and China enjoy good relations. Thanks to the Chinese government, the continuous training of young Cameroonians in China has helped in the acquisition of new skills and knowledge, all of which are useful for Cameroon’s development,” Mrs. Wanah pointed out. 
“On behalf of the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo, I plead with the Chinese government to increase the number of scholarships offered to young Cameroonians each year. In 2023, 13 scholarships were granted. And this year 2024, 10 scholarships have been offered by the Chinese government. In recent years, 30 scholarships were offered to Cameroonians ea...