The National University of Lesotho (NUL) has bid farewell to 11 students embarking on postgraduate studies in China, marking the departure of the second cohort supported by the Confucius Institute scholarship programme. The colourful send-off ceremony was held in August at the University’s Roma campus.
The event also celebrated the conclusion of the Chinese Bridge Language and Culture Programme and welcomed five new teachers to the Institute, underscoring its growing role in education and cultural exchange since its establishment in 2024.
In his remarks, NUL Vice-Chancellor Professor Olusola Isaac Fajana hailed the milestone as proof of the University’s deepening partnerships with Chinese institutions. He praised the Confucius Institute for extending its influence beyond language teaching to cultural exchange, agricultural research, and technological innovation.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in one of the world’s oldest and most vibrant civilizations,” Prof. Fajana said. “Go as ambassadors of NUL and Lesotho. Learn, build lasting relationships, and bring back knowledge that will benefit our communities.”
Echoing the sentiment, the Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Lu Hui, congratulated the group for winning the Silk Road Scholarship. He noted that their chosen fields—animal science, agricultural economics, and food science—are crucial for Lesotho’s future. “You are not merely studying for your own benefit,” he said. “Your expertise will help address Lesotho’s pressing challenges in food security and economic development. This journey is a new thread in the tapestry of China–Lesotho friendship.”
Representing the students, Mammatli Kompi “Ke Manna” described the opportunity as “a dream come true,” expressing gratitude to both the Chinese government and NUL’s Confucius Institute. “We will hold Lesotho’s flag high at Jilin Agricultural University. Agriculture is the key to tackling poverty and food insecurity, and this opportunity equips us to learn innovative, technology-driven methods,” she said.
Confucius Institute teacher, Ms. Oblia Peng, urged the students to embrace their journey wholeheartedly. “Cherish this chance, study hard, and become ambassadors who strengthen the bonds between Lesotho and China,” she encouraged.
The ceremony also marked the closing of the Chinese Bridge Summer Camp, where students engaged in cultural immersion and Mandarin lessons.
This milestone comes as NUL celebrates its 80th anniversary this year—a moment that Prof. Fajana said reflects the institution’s growing global outlook and its commitment to producing graduates who contribute to national and international development.
