The opening ceremony of the 2019-2020 Academic Year and Scholarship Awarding for overseas students of Jiangsu University was held on the morning of Sunday October 27, 2019, at the Academic Auditorium. The ceremony which commenced at 9.00am prompt witnessed broad participation - distinguished guests, representatives of school departments, academic and administrative staff and students alike and was hosted by Mrs Cai Zhaohui, the Vice Dean of Overseas Education College (OEC).

Following the welcoming remarks and introduction of distinguished guests, the President of JSU, Prof. Yan Xiaohong, gave an opening statement. In his statement he gave an account of the cultural and academic achievements of international students and underlined how they have significantly contributed to the success story of JSU, earning them the trust of local citizens. "Civilizations have become richer and more colorful with exchanges and mutual learning. Such exchanges and mutual learning form an important drive for human progress and global peace and development" he quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping as he continued his speech.

Prof. Yan Xiaohong encouraged the new students, who hail from over 50 countries, to seize China opportunities and have a worthwhile stay at JSU.

Prof. Wu Mengyun, the CPC Secretary of School of Finance and Economics also delivered a short but insightful speech on behalf of Faculty Members. She expressed her impression of the wonderful transition of JSU since the enrolment of international students and encouraged the new students, as individuals with high ideals, to have a good spirit. She left the students with three suggestions for a good stay at JSU : " work hard, be happy, be healthy"

Jese Rafael Corrantes, a Pre-university Students' representative, who gave a speech in fluent Chinese, Mushiya Sarah Kazadi, an UG Freshmen representative, and Suzana Ostic, a CSC and PG Students representative followed thereafter to share their words of wisdom as they addressed the audience. Common to their speeches, they highlighted the need for students to work hard during their stay in China and make good use of the opportunity. These students representatives then read their commitments, as an indication of their willingness to be shareholders of the high ideals of JSU, which were accepted by the Vice President of JSU.

Eventually, as tradition spells it, the moment which most were waiting eagerly for arrived - the opening ceremony of the 2019-2020 Academic Year continued with praising students who displayed remarkable academic and social performance in the last academic year, as well as special scholarship recipients from the freshmen. Awards were given to Students participating in research project for Education Systems and Economic Development of Belt and Road countries, Representatives of 2019 CSC Students, 2019-2020 JSU Presidential Scholarship recipients, 2018-2019 Excellent Students Scholarship winners and 2018-2019 Individual Scholarship recipients, respectively.

The ceremony was then closed and it was proceeded by a conference for OEC 2019 freshmen where they got inspiration from Abdul-Nazif Mahmud who shared his fundamentals and tips for success and also the the Vice Dean and the Dean of OEC, both of whom their remarks aimed at getting the students acquainted with the JSU life while aspiring to be excellent students, with the right attitude as the core, and giving shape to a future oriented education.

Writer : Selina VimbaiPhotographers : Grace and Tobi