Africa-Press – Gambia. The Chinese Embassy in The Gambia has awarded scholarship packages to 40 students of the University of The Gambia (UTG), in a move aimed at supporting the country’s education sector.
The presentation ceremony coincided with the celebration of International Chinese Language Day.
Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia, Liu Jin, said the United Nations has designated April 20 as International Chinese Language Day, noting that the event has become a global celebration for lovers of Chinese culture.
He commended the Confucius Institute at UTG for offering Chinese language courses to students at UTG, Nusrat Senior Secondary School, Latrikunda Senior Secondary School and the general public.
“We will also introduce Gambian culture to the Chinese people through various channels, promote exchanges among civilizations, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind,” he said.
Ambassador Jin further noted that the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit declared 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
He disclosed that China has invited more than 1,000 Gambians from various sectors to visit China, assuring continued support for such initiatives.
The ambassador described the event as significant, as it marks the 10th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and The Gambia.
“Over the past decade, our two countries have deepened political mutual trust and carried out win-win cooperation. We have achieved fruitful results in education and training, infrastructure, agriculture, medical care and other fields, which have benefited our peoples,” he added.
Vice Chancellor of UTG, Professor Herbert Robinson, said the celebration highlights growing cooperation in language, culture and education between the two countries.
He described the scholarships as an investment in the future of young Gambians and a symbol of friendship between China and The Gambia.
“We deeply appreciate your consistent support for this university. Your support for our students, academic exchanges, scholarships for staff and commitment to strengthening educational cooperation are highly valued,” he said.
Professor Robinson also acknowledged the Confucius Institute at UTG as a vital platform for language learning, cultural understanding and international academic engagement.
Dean of the Confucius Institute, Xie Mingying, says International Chinese Language Day is celebrated by Chinese language learners worldwide.
“In The Gambia, young people are getting closer to China and understanding Chinese culture through the Chinese language. We will continue to build high-quality platforms for Gambians to learn and understand Chinese,” she said.
She thanked the Chinese Embassy, UTG and the Chinese medical team for their continued support, and called for strengthened partnership in the future.
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