7 Seychellois students set to leave for further studies in China |23 August 2023

The students in a souvenir photo with Dr Valentin, Mr Jianfeng, and principal secretaries Merna Eulentin and John Lesperance (Photo: Vidya Gappy)

Seven young Seychellois have received their tickets and travel documents to pursue their studies in China.

This was during a short ceremony at the headquarters of the Ministry of Education, Mont Fleuri, yesterday, in the presence of Education Minister, Dr Justin Valentin, Chargé d’Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Seychelles, Mu Jianfeng, and principal secretaries Merna Eulentin and John Lesperance.

The seven who will leave next week to embark on a new adventure are Marla Simeon and Dellie Antha who will pursue their two-year study for a Master’s degree in Business Administration at the Beijing International Studies University.

Xiang Luo will do a five-year course for a Bachelor in Business Administration at the Shanghai University, Maura Raoul will study for six years at the Chiongquing University for a Bachelor in Architecture, Sylvius Laporte will pursue a five-year study for a Bachelor in Fine Art at the Central Academy in Fine Art and Hilary Uzice will do a Bachelor in Maritime Safety Administration at the Dalian Maritime University for five years.

Ma Lisa Qian Min will be studying French for four years at the Shanghai International Studies University and she is fully sponsored by the Chinese government.

PS Lesperance thanked the Chinese government for being a steadfast ally of Seychelles and to provide scholarship opportunities to young Seychellois who aspire to pursue advanced studies in China, annually.

“The significance of this event resonates deeply, showcasing the strong and enduring ties that bind our two nations. Seven students are poised to depart for their studies, joining 12 other Seychellois students already immersed in their educational pursuits in China. Their diverse fields of study span from fine art, business administration, design, economics, to audit and engineering, among others,” said PS Lesperance.

PS Lesperance encouraged the students to embrace this chance to its fullest extent. “In the process, you will acquire a new language, immerse yourselves in a new culture, and cultivate new skills and profound knowledge. You will serve as ambassadors of Seychelles, and I implore you to honour the traditions, regulations, and ethos of your host institutions and nation. Approach your studies with dedication, strive for excellence, and, above all, return to our homeland equipped to contribute and share the wisdom you have gained.”

Chargé d’Affaires Mu Jianfeng congratulated the students and wished them all the best in their studies.

He shared that “in order to promote the mutual understanding, cooperation and exchanges in various fields between China and other countries, the Chinese government has set up a series of scholarship programmes to sponsor international students, teachers and scholars to study and conduct research in Chinese universities.”

Two students – Xiang Luo and Sylvius Laporte – are both excited to go to China and see it as a privilege. Sylvius will leave the country for the first time whereas Xiang Luo already has family members in China. “It will be an adventure for us and we are looking forward to this new experience.”

Nearly 300 designated Chinese universities offer a wide variety of academic programmes in science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, economics, legal studies, management, education, history, literature, philosophy, and fine arts for scholarship recipients at all levels. 

Meanwhile, the recruitment for the Chinese Government Scholarship for 2024/2025 will begin soon and students who are interested are encouraged to apply to the Chinese Embassy in Seychelles through the Agency for National Human Resource Development (ANHRD).

Text and photos: Vidya Gappy