LUSAKA, Oct. 19 - It was a sunny afternoon in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, when 18-year-old Mercy Banda attended an orientation session to find out which route to take to study abroad.
The event was hosted by Wensi, a Zambian recruitment agency that has helped more than 200 young people from Zambia gain a global education over the past decade.
"I'm nervous about the trip and being away from home for four long years. But at the same time, I'm excited about the new environment and looking forward to the great opportunities that await me," Banda said.
The gang, who hail from Kitwe in the Copperbelt province, are on their way to study civil engineering at the University of Beijing.
"I believe studying in China will give me the practical skills I need to succeed in my career. China is known for its impressive infrastructure and engineering feats, and I want to learn from the best," Banda explained.
Becoming one of the best civil engineers in Zambia is Banda's dream, as the 18-year-old believes in the potential of the profession to boost infrastructure development in her country. Studying in China will help her achieve this goal, according to Banda.
Like Banda, more and more young Zambians are looking to China for tertiary education as the Asian country boasts a fast-paced learning environment and a curriculum that prioritises practical skills.
China's education system is known for its rigorous academic standards and strong emphasis on research and development, making it an attractive option for students looking to gain a competitive edge in their field.
Seventeen-year-old is also looking forward to further studies in China Lydia Kabwe from Lusaka, who recently graduated from high school.
"I want to study economics and business management and I believe that studying in China will give me a unique perspective on global markets," she explained.
The growing interest in Chinese universities among Zambian youth can be attributed to several factors.
The affordability of education in China, coupled with the availability of scholarships for international students, makes it a viable option for many Zambian families.
In addition, the Chinese government is actively promoting its educational institutions to attract more foreign students.
Moreover, the practical approach of Chinese education is in line with the aspirations of Zambian youth, who are eager to acquire skills that can be directly applied to their future careers.
"This semester alone, we have been able to help 15 Zambian young people travel to China to study and only seven to Europe. This shows that there is a growing interest in studying in China," said the owner of the Wensi recruitment agency Webby Sinyangwe.
Xinhua/ gnews - RoZ
A boat on the Zambezi River in Zambia PHOTO - Xinhua/Wang Guansen
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