On July 6, the School of International Education held a virtual closing ceremony for the 2021-2022 China-Africa Friendship CSC General Scholars Program. Participants include Prof. Li Qifang, Chair of the School of International Education, Zhu Lihua, Deputy Director of the Education and Training Division of China Nonferrous Metal Industry Human Resource Center (CNMIHR), Meng Qing, Deputy Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Division under Beijing Polytechnic College, all staff of the International Student Office of the School of International Education, BUCT, relevant teachers from Beijing Polytechnic College and all African trainees. Zhao Jianya, Director of the Office of International Students, the School of International Education, took the chair.
At the meeting, Prof. Li Qifang congratulated the trainees and delivered a speech. He fully affirmed the success of the Program and the great efforts made by all parties involved and encouraged the trainees to create more "propellers" and "adhesives" for the friendship and well-being of both sides. He hoped that the trainees will work as ambassadors of the Silk Road in the new era, sow the seeds of friendship, write a new chapter for China-Africa friendship and promote the further development of the friendship between Chinese and African peoples.
Meng Qing, Deputy Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Division of Beijing Polytechnic College, said in her speech that she was glad to see more and more African friends getting to know Chinese culture and China's development path. "Trainees are not only our students, but also our partners. I hope that China and Africa will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and the trainees will play the role of bridges and links to promote the people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa," added she.
Hend Ali Mohamed Alkabes and Samar Mohamed Ali Abdelrafee Elkass, two representatives of the trainees from Egypt, spoke at the meeting. They expressed their sincere thanks to the BUCT and the Chinese Government, and shared their gains, insights and experiences during the 10-month training, which gave them a better understanding of China. They expected to have more opportunities to exchange and cooperate with BUCT and hoped to visit and study in the university in person when the COVID-19 pandemic is over. In the end, they extended their best wishes for China and wished that China-Africa cooperation would last as long as possible.
With "thank you" and "goodbye", the closing ceremony of the 2021-2022 China-Africa Friendship CSC General Scholars Program was successfully concluded.
The "China-Africa Friendship" CSC General Scholars Program aims to realize the "Belt and Road" Initiative, cultivate a group of highly qualified teachers who can engage in teaching, management and scientific research in the fields of chemical industry, environmental protection, energy, chemistry, materials, machinery and computers, etc., and train a group of African teachers who can accept Chinese ideas, have high professional quality, know China and be friendly with China. The Program was jointly submitted to the Ministry of Education by the BUCT, CNMIHR, and BPC, featuring the collaboration between "university, industry association and vocational college and the dual 3+1 training model". Participants of the Program include teachers from African universities and vocational colleges. A score of eligible teachers from African countries including Ethiopia, Zambia, Tunisia and Egypt have participated for the training program.
The 10-month training program was launched in October 2021 and delivered live online. Despite the impact of COVID-19, BUCT still presented a well-designed implementation plan, which is composed of professional theory courses, management skills courses, and Chinese culture courses. In addition, rich and varied lectures were arranged to share with the trainees Chinese techniques and experiences, China's development road, and the prospects of disciplines. Cultural experience activities were carried out to help them better understand Chinese culture and the development road of China. Furthermore, work was also done to organize exchanges and interactions on scientific research and teaching and carry out practical teaching for trainees. Professors from relevant disciplines gave comments and guidance. The Program is designed to tell the Chinese story, spread the Chinese voice and share the Chinese experience. Its success is of positive significance in expanding BUCT's influence, raising its international reputation and promoting the recruitment of international students.
