Story by Abigirl Tembo in Kazan, Russia
Zimbabwean students studying for science-related degrees in Russia under the Presidential Scholarship Programme have paid homage to the government for helping them achieve their dreams.
The students studying medicine, geospatial solutions, aircraft engineering, and pharmacy shared their aspirations for the future when they met Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga on the side-lines of the ongoing Phygital Games of the Future in Kazan, Russia.
“I am studying Pharmacy and my ambition is to be able to help my fellow Zimbabweans back home using the knowledge I would have acquired here especially when it comes to using our local plants like Zumbani,” said one of the students.
Another said, “I am studying Aircraft Engineering and I hope to contribute towards my country’s aviation industry.”
Vice President Chiwenga said government is prioritising the educational needs of its people to ensure the country attains an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
“Science and technology are the centrepiece of development. I am happy that you are all studying science-related subjects which dovetails with government’s policy to enter its growth trajectory on science, innovation and technology development. We should be innovative. This is aimed at accelerating the attainment of a prosperous and empowered middle-income society by 2030.
“This is a vision we have set for ourselves that come rain, come thunder, by 2030 we should have attained a middle-income economy. We should say to hell with poverty, but for us to do that, we must all work hard. We must sweat so that we achieve our goal,” he said.
The students, who are all on presidential scholarships, are grateful to government for the empowerment programme.
“The Presidential Scholarship is a great initiative by the government and am grateful. I hope I will be able to pay back this favour to my country after am done with my studies,” said one of the students.
Another added, “I am now in my final year of studying Pharmacy and this has been made possible by the Presidential Scholarship. I would like to thank our President and our government for this opportunity. They are paying our fees and giving us an allowance so that we concentrate on our studies.”
“The Presidential Scholarship Programme is a great initiative and I urge other students from disadvantaged backgrounds to take advantage of the programme. When I saw the advert in the Sunday mail I just applied and now here I am, just a few months away from becoming a medical doctor,” another student noted.
Zimbabwean students have been given a rare opportunity to study abroad in countries such as Russia, South Africa, Zambia and China through the Presidential Scholarship Programme.
The scholarships are meant for students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them access to quality education and empowering youths to contribute to national development.
