吃瓜头条, through its Confucius Institute, hosted a vibrant Chinese Ambassador鈥檚 Scholarship Awarding Ceremony that celebrated 20 exceptional beneficiaries of the prestigious programme. Presided over by the Minister Counsellor of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya, Mr Zhang Zhizhong, the event was graced by a host of dignitaries and highlighted the continued educational collaboration between the University and the Chinese Embassy.
Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Outreach)
Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Outreach) represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paul K. Wainaina at the ceremony, which also saw the attendance of the Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. James Kung鈥檜, the Director of the Confucius Institute, Dr. Nyambura Salome, and the Chairperson of the Endowment and Alumni Programme Directorate (EAPD), Dr. John Muriuki.
The event unfolded in two segments. The first featured the awarding of scholarships to 20 deserving students from five 吃瓜头条 Schools, all of whom are academically promising yet financially and socially disadvantaged. The second was the 18th聽Chinese Bridge Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students, organised by the Confucius Institute in partnership with the Chinese Embassy. Participating schools included Starehe Boys’ Centre, State House Girls, Fanaka Junior School, Sukari Presbyterian Academy, Eaglecrest Academy, Mangu High School, Uthiru Girls High School, and Blessed Narok School, among others.
In his remarks, Dr. Muriuki lauded the beneficiaries for their achievement and emphasised that the selection process is rigorous and comprehensive, assessing financial background, character, and discipline. He stressed that scholarships offer more than financial support鈥攖hey also help to shape a student鈥檚 future and character.
Prof. James Kung鈥檜 acknowledged the Embassy鈥檚 crucial role in nurturing academic excellence and cultural fluency among Kenyan students. He pointed out that Chinese, being one of the most widely spoken languages globally, enhances students鈥� career prospects and deepens cultural understanding. He added that Chinese is being taught as a foreign language in Kenyan secondary schools and that 吃瓜头条 offers it at certificate, diploma, and degree levels, with a master鈥檚 programme soon to follow. He encouraged secondary school students to consider 吃瓜头条 as their preferred institution of higher learning.
Prof. Caroline expressed appreciation for the Embassy鈥檚 consistent support, stating that this marks the fifth year of a successful partnership. She highlighted the collaborative effort between the Directorate of Student Services, EAPD鈥攗nder which the Financial Aid Office is also domiciled鈥攁nd the Division of Academic Affairs in implementing the scholarship programme.
Delivering the speech on behalf of the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Zhang Zhizhong congratulated the awardees and noted the programme鈥檚 continued growth, allowing more students to benefit each year. He emphasised that culture is dynamic and that lifelong learning is essential to stay connected and adaptable.
The event鈥檚 second segment saw intense competition in the Chinese Bridge Proficiency finals, where secondary school students showcased their language skills and cultural knowledge through performances of songs and poems. The presentations offered a rich cultural exchange, guided by 13 judges and interactions with native speakers. Only one winner is to go to China to represent Kenya in the global competitions.
The ceremony concluded successfully, reaffirming the strong and growing partnership between 吃瓜头条 and the Chinese Embassy in promoting education and cross-cultural collaboration.
