In a significant development that promises to enhance technical education and foster international cooperation, Harare Polytechnic of Zimbabwe and Ningbo Polytechnic of China have embarked on a five-year joint teaching program. This collaboration is part of a Memorandum of Agreement on Applied Talents Joint Teaching Programme, initiated under the auspices of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
The agreement, which aims to boost the quality of education, research capabilities, and academic impact at both institutions, was facilitated by the China Education Association for International Exchange and the Commonwealth Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa. Over the course of this partnership, a total of 90 skilled graduates will earn dual qualifications—a National Certificate in Millwrights works from Harare Polytechnic and a Diploma in Mechatronics from Ningbo Polytechnic.
The first cohort of 30 students from Harare Polytechnic embarked on their studies in 2022 and traveled to China in March 2023 to continue their education at Ningbo Polytechnic. These students are currently completing a six-month internship at Haitan International Company, one of China’s leading enterprises, where they are gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and equipment.
A third and final group of 30 students was enrolled in January 2024 and is scheduled to travel to China in March 2024 to pursue a Diploma in Mechatronics. This ongoing partnership not only enhances the educational prospects of these students but also equips them with the advanced skills needed to contribute to Zimbabwe’s development.
Zimbabwe’s Harare Polytechnic expressed profound gratitude towards their Chinese counterparts for the invaluable opportunities this partnership has provided. The exposure to new knowledge and emerging technologies is set to significantly benefit Zimbabwe's technical workforce, aligning with the country's broader developmental goals.
This educational initiative is a shining example of successful international cooperation and is poised to make a substantial impact on the future of technical vocational education and workforce readiness in both Zimbabwe and China.-
