The 2025 Graduation Ceremony for Rwandan Students of the Future of Africa-Vocational Education Cooperation Plan is held at Jinhua University of Vocational Technology. [Photo/WeChat account: jhfabu]
Educational exchanges have become a vital bridge connecting China and Africa. Jinhua in East China's Zhejiang province, has used its strategic location, robust trade foundation, and high-quality educational resources to become a key player in China-Africa educational cooperation.
Local universities including Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua University of Vocational Technology, Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College, and Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction have established a diverse, comprehensive, and distinctive model for educational exchange.
ZJNU's Institute of African Studies inaugurated its Kano Field Station and the Nigerian Institute of Chinese Businessmen Investment on Oct 28, marking a milestone in establishing an academic-industry fusion hub in West Africa.
In vocational education, JUVT has cultivated 713 students from African countries since 2004. Its partnership with IPRC Musanze in Rwanda has produced 441 highly skilled graduates and trained thousands of local youth and Chinese enterprise employees since 2017.
YWICC has welcomed 1,190 students from 38 African countries since 2007, while Guangsha University has made strides by recruiting students from the Republic of the Congo in the field of arts and crafts.
As one of the first pilot institutions in the Future of Africa-Vocational Education Cooperation Plan, JUVT welcomed 30 Rwandan students in April 2024.
After graduation, some of the students chose to stay in Jinhua and were appointed as international communication ambassadors.
From academic research to vocational training, Jinhua is writing a new chapter in China-Africa educational cooperation.
