BEIRUT, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 30 students from Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan have recently received scholarships to specialize in mechanical engineering and business administration in China's Shaanxi Province, an official told Xinhua on Tuesday.
"The scholarships include tuition fees, accommodation, and monthly allowances from University of Chang'an and Northwestern Polytechnique University (NPU)," said Jinane Saleh, director of Youth Affairs at Arab Chinese Cooperation and Development Association (ACCDA).
This initiative was launched by the Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce (SRCIC) in cooperation with ACCDA.
The scholarships were granted in September. Some of the students have already traveled to China.
Saleh said that degrees from China are accredited in Lebanon. Students can come back after their graduation to join professional syndicates.
Saleh emphasized the importance of engaging Chinese and Arab youth together because youngsters are essential elements of societies.
"With the energy and power of youth, joint efforts can be exerted to bring this world together," she told Xinhua.
"To empower youth, we need education first as it is a factor to change one's life. With education, they can set their directions in life, set goals for themselves and strive to achieve them," she added.
Hasan Rihan, an 18-year-old student from south Lebanon, told Xinhua that he is happy to be selected for this scholarship.
Rihan, who will specialize in mechanical engineering, said he always dreamt of traveling and studying outside Lebanon.
"It is a dream come true to study in a country as advanced as China," he said. "I plan to finish my education and try to find work in China."
Haroun Yassin, another student who was selected for the scholarship, said he is excited to get to know about the Chinese culture.
"I am very happy. I will be the first one to speak Chinese in my town in Bekaa," he said.
According to Saleh, there is a plan to increase the number of scholarships next year to cover other Arab countries and additional programs such as masters and PhD.
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