Story by Wellington Makonese
SIXTEEN Zimbabwean students are set to depart for Russia this week to pursue fully-funded Master’s degrees in Agricultural Engineering, a programme described by the government as a critical component of the national drive towards a knowledge-driven and industrialised economy.
The cohort of scholars will pursue their advanced studies at the prestigious Don State Technical University, with the programme reflecting the growing educational partnership between Zimbabwe and Russia.
Speaking at the send-off ceremony held in Harare on Monday, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Ambassador Frederick Shava, affirmed government’s continued commitment to human capital development.
Over the past three years, 60 Students have benefited from the scholarship, coordinated by the Centre for Education Innovation Research and Development.
The programme is a culmination of a partnership with the Russian Federation is part of efforts to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation through advancing agricultural mechanisation and innovation.
The students are expected to return as engineers and researchers to help drive Zimbabwe’s modernisation and food security goals.
