Scholarship Awardees Briefing-23th August 2023

2024-09-18

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES BRIEFING- 23TH AUGUST 2023

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES BRIEFING- 23TH AUGUST 2023

On 23rd August 2023, Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University hosted Scholarship Awardees to a briefing with the Directors Prof Zhou Xiaodong and Dr. Hellen Kiende Guantai . The students were accompanied by their parents during the briefing.

Confucius Institute Director Dr. Hellen in her opening speech expressed gratitude on behalf of KU for the scholarships provided by China and SDNU. Adding that the scholarships have greatly benefited the students at KU and have contributed to their academic success. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the generosity of China and SDNU and encouraged the students to make the most of this opportunity by working hard and achieving their academic goals. She said the main aim of the briefing was to let the students know what the scholarship entailed. Their role they were to play and the rules and regulations that they needed to heed to successfully live and study in China. She emphasized that it is important for students to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations and comply to avoid any misunderstandings or potential consequences during their time at Shandong University and in China.

Local Director Dr.Hellen Kiende Guantai giving her speech during the scholarship briefing.

She was then proceeded by the exam coordinator Dr. Susan Wachira who talked at length to the students about what it means to live and study out of Kenya. She gave her own personal experiences as a foreign student and challenged the young lads to seize the opportunity and make the most out of it. She said she had climbed the academic ladder through scholarship from Bachelor’s degree to PhD. She added scholarships have enabled her achieve a fulfilling and exciting career in teaching Chinese language and culture. She said living in China depends on an individual effort and ability to make the most out of it. She instructed the students to ensure they learn the Chinese language, utilize the language environment, and actively engage in the learning process. She urged the students to focus on learning and avoid other unnecessary activities. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing their education and encouraged them to dedicate their time and energy towards acquiring knowledge and developing their skills.

The exam coordinator Dr.Susan Wachira giving her brief remarks during the briefing.

Professor Zhou Xiaodong the Chinese Director in his speech talked to the students at length about the importance of maintaining the KU brand in academia as well as in behavior while in China. He encouraged the students to excel in class and source for extra opportunities for further studies in China. He said in the last scholarship group was 30 and this year only six out of the 13 who applied for the scholarship Some got scholarships to study for 6 months, others 1 year. He said the scholarships presents opportunity for the students to further their studies. He gave an example of Ms. Alina who got four year Bachelors degree scholarship and now doing her masters degree. He added that the student had won so many prizes and the Shandong Normal University was proud of her. He asked the students to march Alina’s exploits, and even do better than her, because he believed the students had great potential , if they focused on their studies. Their parents congratulated them and advised to work hard while in China.

The Chinese Director Professor Zhou Xiaodong giving his speech during the Scholarship briefing.

Ms Luo Duo Duo reading through the rules and regulations to the scholarship awardees.

Photo session with students and parents after the briefing .