Chinese company to sponsor UDSM students

DAR ES SALAAM : CHINA Communication Construction Company (CCCC) Ltd is set to sponsor some students of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).

The sponsorship will be for field-based practical training as well as for those opting to study the Chinese language and culture at the Confucius Institute (CI) at UDSM.

This follows signing of an agreement between the company and the UDSM, over the weekend.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam, CCCC Senior Representative Mr Zhao Zhenyuan said under the agreement the students will benefit from field attachments at Chinese companies in Tanzania.

“CCCC Tanzania Branch is willing to carry out more cultural exchange programmes with the UDSM using cultural communication as a medium to achieve mutual integration and deepen the friendship between the two countries,” said Mr Zhenyuan.

He noted that the agreement can be used as an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation between the two parts in terms of staff training, employments for graduates as well as exchange of expertise.

He said that CCCC Tanzania branch is also willing to carry out more cultural exchange activities with the UDSM, using cultural communication as a medium to achieve mutual integration and deepen the friendship between the two countries.

Furthermore, Mr Zhenyuan expressed the company’s commitment to continue collaborating with the government in implementation of the construction projects.

Since 2009, the company implemented more than 20 projects in Tanzania, including the Mbeya – Luwangiro Road.

“Strong cooperation between China and Tanzania has led to positive results in various fields of Tanzania’s economic development, hence bringing tangible benefits to the Tanzanians,” said Zhenyuan.

UDSM Acting Vice Chancellor and Director of Post-Graduate Studies Professor Donatha Tibuhwa requested the CCCC to build a football pitch for the university so that the students could excel in sports.

It was the CCCC that built the UDSM modern library at a cost of 90bn/- with the capacity to accommodate 2,100 people at once.

“We thank you for an idea of sponsoring students in field attachments. This is highly commendable,” said Prof Tibuhwa.

“Like an old adage says education is a pillar to any development, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for supporting the academic development for our students and the nation at large,” Prof Tibuhwa said.

Prof Tibuhwa said the agreement makes further progress towards cementing the friendship between the UDSM and the Chinese companies.

The University through the CI offers Chinese language and culture course at undergraduate level. It also offers Diploma and Chinese proficiency certificates.

Graduates from this institute get chances of working with some Chinese companies and government while others are self-employed.