The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China marked 10 years of providing scholarships to support well-performing students from unprivileged backgrounds, through Imbuto Foundation's Edified Generation Program.
On October 18, Ms. Lin Hang, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Jackson Vugayabagabo, Director-General of the Imbuto Foundation and Mr. Richard Mutabazi, Mayor of Bugesera District, visited Nyamata TVET School in Bugesera District, to visit some of the beneficiaries of the scholarship program.
Three students under support and two graduates expressed sincere thanks to Embassy’s support and vowed to work harder and contribute to Rwanda’s development. Mr. Jackson and Mr. Richard believed that the stories of the beneficiaries show how China’s support promote Rwanda’s development. The 10-year cooperation under the program cultivated seeds of hope and help Rwanda’s new generation to grow up. They thanked China’s care and support to Rwanda’s education and young generation, and hoped the two sides will continue to deepen cooperation.
Ms. Lin wished the students and graduates bigger successes. She said the achievements show strong ties and deep friendship between Chinese and Rwandan people. The Chinese side is happy to see the support has contributed to Rwanda’s youth empowerment and promoted friendship of the two peoples. China is willing to strengthen human capital and capacity building cooperation with Rwanda, under the Belt and Road Cooperation and framework of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The Embassy will continue to work with Imbuto Foundation and local governments, to pass on hope, and embrace another golden decade.
The Edified Generation Scholarship, initiated in 2002 by First Lady H.E. Jeannette Kagame, aims to financially support well-performing secondary students from disadvantaged families. The Chinese Embassy started to support the scholarship program in 2013. To date, the Embassy has helped a total of 531 students, with 386 of them having successfully graduated and 145 currently receiving support.