Thirty Rwandan students graduate from Jinhua University of Vocational Technology. [Photo/WeChat account: jhfabu]

The 2025 Graduation Ceremony for Rwandan Students of the Future of Africa-Vocational Education Cooperation Plan took place on Jan 8 at Jinhua University of Vocational Technology in Jinhua, Zhejiang province. 

One of the thirty who graduated, a student representative Umwali Ange Natacha expressed her aspirations to serve as a bridge for economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two regions.

The collaboration in vocational education between Jinhua and African nations stands as a flagship initiative in China-Africa educational partnerships. Jinhua University of Vocational Technology, as one of the inaugural pilot institutions for the program, welcomed the first group of 30 Rwandan students in 2024.

Throughout their academic journey, the students achieved notable successes. Two students excelled at the Africa Tech Challenge Season IX while several claimed third prizes in the Adjustment and Maintenance Technology of Industrial Robots of the 2024 Belt & Road and BRICS Competition of Skills Development and Technology Innovation.

Some students, like Natacha, have already secured employment intentions with Jinhua enterprises. "For those about to return to their hometown, we will contact Chinese-funded enterprises in Rwanda to help them with employment and entrepreneurship back home," said Qian Xiangming, dean of the Musanze International College of the university.

Jinhua University of Vocational Technology is currently preparing to send a new batch of admission letters to Rwanda, with the arrival of the second group of students expected in March this year.