Rwanda student Ariane Kaligirwa successfully won a Chinese scholarship to pursue aeronautic engineering in China.

“My application was considered and I was contacted for an interview. I was asked some scientific questions and social ones, which I answered well, I later got positive feedback that I was offered a scholarship,” she said.

Kaligirwa was speaking on the sidelines of a function organised to bid farewell to some 12 Rwandan students who secured scholarships to pursue their studies in China. The ceremony was held at the Chinese Embassy.

Kaligirwa said that she will use her skills and exposure to contribute to the development of Rwanda’s nascent aviation industry.

“China is developed in the area (of aviation) and I hope I will acquire practical skills in aeronautical engineering, I will use the five years to get requisite skills. I will be back to serve my country,” said Kaligirwa, a recipient of several accolades from Imbuto Foundation.

The Chinese government has offered thousands of scholarships to Rwandans over the last couple of years. Today, China is home to over 2,000 Rwandan students, according to the envoy.