In a significant demonstration of international educational cooperation, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China has conferred scholarships worth US$1,000 each to 22 deserving students from Dominica State College (DSC). This ceremony, now in its third consecutive year, also honored three exceptional students who demonstrated remarkable proficiency in Chinese language studies through the DSC Confucius Classroom with special achievement awards.
The Chinese Ambassador Scholarship Programme represents a strategic effort to inspire academic distinction among Dominican scholars while fostering deeper understanding of Chinese linguistic and cultural traditions. This initiative simultaneously strengthens the educational partnership framework between Dominica and China, creating pathways for mutual exchange and collaboration.
Education Minister Hon. Octavia Alfred, during her address at the awards ceremony, extended profound appreciation to China for its sustained contribution to Dominica’s national development. She emphasized how Chinese-supported educational programs, training opportunities, and technical assistance have fundamentally enhanced the country’s professional capabilities and workforce competitiveness.
‘China has consistently proven to be a dependable development ally to Dominica,’ Minister Alfred stated. ‘Through comprehensive support spanning scholarships, career advancement initiatives, infrastructure development, and sector-wide assistance, China has made substantial investments in our human resource development and national progress. This collaboration extends beyond education into healthcare, agriculture, and numerous other sectors.’
The Minister further detailed current Sino-Dominican educational projects, including the construction of five new primary institutions and one secondary school. Among these, two facilities will operate as Centers of Excellence dedicated to Special Education and Technical/Vocational Training.
Chinese Ambassador H.E. Chu Maoming congratulated the scholarship beneficiaries while encouraging them to pursue excellence and actively engage with cultural learning opportunities. ‘Youth embody our collective future and represent both the custodians and catalysts of the cordial relations and cooperative ventures between China and Dominica,’ Ambassador Chu remarked. ‘I encourage you to connect your personal aspirations and accomplishments with the enduring friendship and collaboration between our nations, serving as ambassadors of bilateral goodwill while achieving your individual potential.’
Ambassador Chu confirmed the continuation of both Chinese Government and Ambassador Scholarship programs into the upcoming year, alongside expanded cultural and educational exchanges designed to deepen bilateral relations.