China-Zimbabwe Education Partnership Celebrated at...

China-Zimbabwe Education Partnership Celebrated at Harare Polytechnic Graduation Ceremony

Patience Muchemwa—Senior Reporter

The graduation ceremony at Harare Polytechnic was marked by a celebration of the deepening ties between Zimbabwe and China, as well as the shared commitment to fostering vocational education and practical skills.

Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding of China joined government officials, faculty members, and the graduates on the auspicious occasion.

The ceremony was particularly significant as it highlighted the achievements of the first cohort from the Applied Talents Joint Teaching Programme, a collaboration between Ningbo Polytechnic University and Harare Polytechnic.

This program, inspired by Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision for Africa's future, was formalized through a five-year Memorandum of Agreement (2022–2026). Ambassador Zhou emphasized that the program was a symbol of China's dedication to equipping Zimbabwe’s youth with practical skills and advancing the shared vision of economic progress.

As part of the partnership, 90 scholarships have been awarded to Harare Polytechnic students, with 30 graduates honored at the ceremony.

This year also commemorates the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe.

Ambassador Zhou underscored the enduring friendship between the two countries, citing over 6,000 Zimbabwean officials and professionals trained through various China-supported initiatives.

These efforts, he noted, have significantly contributed to Zimbabwe’s sustainable development, with private sector collaborations driving job creation and technology transfer.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Zhou reaffirmed China's commitment to Zimbabwe's long-term vision, particularly the Vision 2030 and Heritage-Based Education 5.0 frameworks.

He encouraged the graduates to view themselves not just as technicians but as ambassadors of China-Zimbabwe friendship, poised to continue strengthening bilateral ties.