Thirteen Bahamians have accepted scholarships to study in the People’s Republic of China during the 2013-2014 academic school year.
The participating students participating will receive bachelor’s and master’s degrees while abroad.
They were recognised during a student awards ceremony held in the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre at COB.
“This year, the Chinese government has granted eight full scholarships to eight recipients besides the headquarters of the Confucius Institute, which has also offered seven Mandarin Chinese scholarships to seven students at The College of The Bahamas,” said Chinese Ambassador His Excellency Hu Shan.
“Apart from the scholarships, the Chinese Government also offers short-term training programmes for professionals for various industries of The Bahamas. Last year, there were 32 Bahamian professionals who went to China for those training programmes or seminars.”
As the numbers continue to grow the Chinese government has also committed to educating approximately 100 students at the master’s degree level.
They have also agreed to provide 1,000 full scholarships for Caribbean nationals.
The Bahamas and The Republic of China have had a strong relationship for over 15 years, not only in diplomatic relations but through technical cooperation and cultural exchanges.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell said he is very pleased and praised the group for its achievement.
“These persons are trailblazers choosing, as they have, a path less followed, but one that nonetheless demands recognition and praise as they venture into a land and language vastly different than the one in which they grew up,” he said.
“This year, we are pleased that we have joined with The College of The Bahamas and the Confucius Institute to recognise persons who have received not only Chinese government scholarships, but also Confucius Institute scholarships. This is a testament to the strengthening of diplomatic relations between The Bahamas and China.”
The Confucius Institute was launched in October 2012 and it provides instruction for Chinese language to roughly 100 students.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports that China is leading the world out of the global recession and has a key role to play in the long-term reform and rebalancing of the global economy.
The students who have been granted scholarships to study in China are: Alistair Stevenson, Zahnae Brown, Adriana Carroll, Janice Taylor, Siddina Henfield, Maxine Forbes, Kuran Hanna, Courtney Miller, Marissa Russell, Dereka Hanna, Deandra Knowles, Sasha Farah and Dwayne Pearce.