Bright future for 48 Botswana Chinese scholarship winners

"Excitement" and "anxiousness" are two words that slipped off the lips of many -- parents, guardians and new winners of the Chinese government scholarships alike, who Wednesday gathered at the Chinese embassy in Botswana in attendance of a farewell reception.

Since 1980's the Chinese government has been providing Chinese government scholarships for Botswana students to study in China. This year, 48 students were selected through a rigorous process from more than 1,000 applicants for bachelor, master or Phd degree study.

The euphoria of new beginnings, of a new academic life in a far off land, of a different tongue and culture, of making new friends, of a promising future upon completing university among other advantages of winning a Chinese government scholarship, for these 48 students however outweighed the anxiety evoked by fear of the unknown.

"I feel blessed and scared at the same time because I don't know what to really expect. I am anxious because I will be far away from home, away from my mother and the rest my family," said Marea Morupisi speaking to Xinhua Wednesday at the Chinese Embassy premises in Gaborone, Botswana.

"After watching the documentary on African students in China, and after listening to counselling, guiding and informing presentations I feel way better. Not that my anxiety would have scared me off going to study in China. I am so looking forward to it," said 22-year-old Morupisi who is going to study International Economics and Trade for five years.

Every academic year, the Chinese government provides around 80 scholarships for Botswana students to study in China for bachelor, master or doctoral degrees and as Chinese language students, general scholars and senior scholars, of which applications higher than bachelor degree are preferred.

The Chinese government will cover the fees for tuition, basic learning materials, accommodation, living allowance, outpatient medical service and comprehensive medical insurance.

Sharing her experiences of studying in China with the 48 winners, Amelia Malebane who is currently studying her Phd in China advised the new student cohort to study.

"The Chinese people study hard. Here in Botswana we are used to taking things easy and slow, but know that Chinese students graduate with first class distinctions, they graduate with 90 to 95 percent pass rates without supervision so you cannot afford to relax while there," said Malebane, who has worked as a lecturer for the University of Botswana, University of Cape Town and has worked as the Public Relations Officer for Debswana Diamond Company.

"When in Rome do what the Romans do," she emphasized to the 48 who hung to her every word. The faces that starred back at her were neither fazed nor distraught but seemed determined to do exactly what she had impressed; to give this opportunity their best shot.

Sharing Malebane's sentiments, Charge d'affaire of the Chinese embassy in Botswana Li Nan encouraged the 48 to seize this opportunity to study hard in order to improve their abilities, to tap their full potentials, to live up to the expectations of their country, family, and most importantly, to gain more knowledge about Chinese people and culture, to learn from each other and make good friends with them.

"I sincerely wish that after your study in China, what you have learned will enable you to better serve the building and development of your motherland. I also wish that every one of you could become 'Envoy of Friendship' between our two countries and peoples," he said.

The arrival of dusk and the consequent lighting of the embassy cast a velvety red and gold feel to the environment adorned and furnished in red and gold -- a selection of red bulbs, a variety of Chinese lanterns and antiques.

"Speaking as a father of a daughter among the 48 going to China all I can say is you can never know what to fully expect until you get there, so it's a mixed feeling. However, it is comforting to know that our children will meet other Botswana students who can speak Chinese and our language here, so they will be okay," said Carter Morupisi, Permanent Secretary to the President and Secretary to Cabinet of Botswana.

The event made it apparent that the Chinese Embassy couldn't have found a better way to celebrate its 40 years old bilateral relations with Botswana as this year marks the 40th year Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Botswana.

For the past 40 years the two countries have enjoyed excellent and fruitful cooperation in various areas, among which education plays an extraordinary role in their bilateral relations.

China has donated two primary schools to Botswana, one in Serowe and another in Maun. China is now preparing to donate to more schools, one in Mopane and another in Kazungula.

The Botswana government representatives who graced the reception were moved by this effort and did not shy away from expressing their in-depth gratitude. Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Leonard Muthethwa was quick to thank the Chinese for their gesture and continued friendship.

"I am going to study Mining and Engineering for five years. It' s an important area in Botswana given the number of mines we have. So I am excited and happy, I am looking forward to exploring and learning new ideas I can come and implement here upon completing my studies. " said 17 year old Billy Maseko, one of the 48 Botswana Students preparing to leave for China in a few days.

Education exchanges bridge over between people of China and Botswana. In recent years, Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana (CIUB) and Chinese Studies at the University of Botswana have attracted thousands of Botswana people to learn Chinese language and culture.

CIUB, a nonprofit public institution which aims to promote Chinese language and culture abroad, was established in 2009. It now has 12 teachers with 4,700 graduates.

Resego Motlhageng, a Chinese Studies second year student volunteered to help CIUB at Botswana Consumer Fair, from 17 to 23 of August in Gaborone.

CIUB stalls at the fair served as a platform to promote the Chinese culture. CIUB displayed calligraphy, traditional Chinese instruments, Chinese food, martial arts, paper cut, food utensils, clothing and etc.

She's not the only one who likes the Chinese culture. Many Batswana, young and old flooded to their stalls to taste their tea, have their names written in Chinese, learn how to use chopsticks, and even learn a bit of Mandarin.

Ludo Kelatlhegile, a form three student of junior secondary school also expressed her love for the Chinese culture. Having a dad who has been to China, Ludo is instigated to interact with the Chinese people and their unique culture.

"To know about different cultures is to understand each other," said Brandon Steve John Hartney, a first year CIUB students.

"I'm interested in learning languages. I also had Chinese friends whom are my classmates during primary and secondary schools. I like Chinese characters, you could know their meaning through images," he said.