By Sulaiman Stom Koroma.
“Bei jing huan ying ni”, a song by various artists for the Olympic games in China, was the greatest inspiration for me to consider China as my second country and a country I must visit. I have heard a lot about China, its development, its friendly people, and its ambition to improve its people and country. I have been waiting for this great opportunity, but finally, it came in 2014 for a training program on radio broadcasting and technology.
Embarking on a journey to China, a land of rich history and vibrant culture which has long been a dream was a blessing not in disguise but in reality. The anticipation leading up to the day of departure was a whirlwind of excitement and wonder. A friend has told me of the bustling streets of Beijing to picturing the serene beauty of the Great Wall, every thought filled me with a sense of eagerness as I await this visit. Finally, the chance to immerse myself in a world so different from my own seemed surreal yet all too real. As I prepared for this adventure, each moment was tinged with a palpable sense of thrill and gratitude for the opportunity to explore a place that had captured my imagination for so long. I could hardly contain my excitement as I stood on the threshold of this long-awaited voyage.
We arrived in China late at night, yet, I saw resilience and how hard-working the Chinese people are. The country is not only beautiful, but very beautiful with hard work seen in everything. Our training sessions were educative, interactive, participatory, and friendly. The organizers and lecturers are very punctual and most times they will be there waiting for us. We learned about the media and its operations, China and its people, their culture, and their relationship with Africa. We were also taken to some media institutions where we get first-hand experience and see in real-time how 21st-century broadcast is done.
China is facilitating training programs for individuals from various countries, including Sierra Leone. The Chinese government provides opportunities for foreign nationals to study at its universities, participate in training programs, and engage in cultural exchanges.
In my case and by extension my country Sierra Leone, China has played a significant role in supporting education through scholarships, workshops, and training programs.
Such training programs demonstrate China’s commitment to fostering global cooperation and capacity building in various sectors. These initiatives help promote mutual understanding, knowledge exchange, and skills enhancement among participants from diverse backgrounds.
Our tours to the Great Wall, market centers, museums, factories, Cultural sites, the Bird’s Nest stadium, and other public places left a solid impression of the great relationship China and Africa have. Exploring the captivating wonders of China left an indelible mark on my soul. From the majestic Great Wall to the serene landscapes of Guilin, each site I visited was a treasure trove of history and beauty. The vibrant energy of cities like Beijing, Ina Mongolia, Dalian, Spring City, and Shanghai contrasted beautifully with the tranquil charm of ancient temples and peaceful gardens. China’s rich culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality made my journey truly unforgettable. The taste of their food wetting our appetite daily
The China Friendship is always a win-win relationship, because of the strategic partnership between China and various countries which is mostly based on mutual benefits and cooperation. China has been actively cultivating friendships with other nations through economic partnerships, cultural exchanges, diplomatic ties, and international initiatives.
Sierra Leone has benefited from Chinese investments in various sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology. Chinese scholarships have provided opportunities for Sierra Leonean students to study in China, bringing back valuable skills and knowledge to contribute to their country’s development. They have built hospitals in Sierra Leone that have improved healthcare access for people in Freetown and other surroundings. China’s support for other developments like technology transfer, agricultural projects, and capacity-building programs has contributed to the country’s socio-economic advancement. Because of its nice and friendly people, I always want to make a trip to China, to learn from them how resilience and handwork can be translated to success in my country.
Journalists from Sierra Leone, like me, and others around the world have travelled to China for seminars and short courses, immersing themselves in a unique cultural and professional experience. The opportunity to learn from Chinese experts and journalists while exploring the country’s rich history and dynamic society has left a lasting impact on me and those who have participated in their different programmes. As they return home, these journalists carry with them a deeper understanding of China and its people, enriching their reporting and global perspective. Their positive experiences in China have not only broadened their knowledge but also fostered new connections and friendships. I am looking ahead, just like many of these journalists like me who have expressed their hope for another chance to visit China, I am eager to continue learning and growing both personally and professionally. My visit to China, is a thing I will never forget.
