Thirteen off to China

Thirteen Dominicans are packing their bags and getting ready to fly to China to obtain degrees in 11 subject areas.

At a brief ceremony today Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador Li Jiangning told the students that they should not be afraid of the journey ahead.

"Your Chinese classmates will welcome you," said Ambassador Jiangning. "I sincerely wish all of you a smooth journey and a thoroughly rewarding experience in China."

Ten students will study towards Bachelor of Arts degrees and three Master's degrees.

The students, the universities they will be attending and their subject arears are: Michelle Belle, Zhejiang Normal University (Applied Psychology); Kede Edmund, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Biotechnology); Andrea Francois, Zhejiang University ( Applied Psychology); Stacy Harris, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (Financial Management); Rick Hypolite, Tongji University (Civil Engineering); Leslie Lewis, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Electronic Information); Shernel Raymond, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (Public Service Administration); Acacia Seaman, Hunan University (Chemistry); Deshawn George, Wuhan University (Civil Engineering); Diandra Jno- Baptiste ,Tsinghua University (Mechanical Engineering); Shane McIntyre, Southern Medical University (Obstetrics & Gynecology-Master's Programme).

Recipients of Chinese Government Ministry of Commerce Scholarship (MOFCOM Programme) are: Yvonette Carbon, Public Health Master's Programme- Southern Medical University; Patrick Henry, Beijing Normal University (International Business Administration -Master's Programme).

One hundred and fifty Dominicans have studied in China since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 2004.

"It is a programme to help young people with dreams, to realise these dreams through quality college education in China," said the Chinese Embassy moderator of the ceremony.

Senator Jahisiah Benoit and Dr. Casius Darroux, the Minister of Kalinago Affairs are past recipients of Chinese scholarships.