作者： admin

As Africa grapples with mounting developmental challenges, China has emerged as a pivotal ally in the continent’s modernization efforts, particularly through its collaboration in technical and vocational education. Gilles Fagninou, the regional director for West and Central Africa at the UN Children’s Fund, lauded China as a ‘true partner’ in an exclusive interview with China Daily. He underscored the critical role of China-Africa educational cooperation in addressing Africa’s pressing need for accessible and quality education, with over 100 million school-age children currently out of school. Fagninou highlighted that China’s own developmental journey, marked by overcoming similar hurdles, positions it as an invaluable mentor for African nations. ‘The experience that China has is something that African countries want to learn from,’ he remarked. This partnership is particularly transformative in broadening learning avenues for African youth, equipping them with practical skills through technical, professional, and vocational studies. During a recent visit to Jinhua University of Vocational Technology in Zhejiang province, Fagninou observed firsthand the impact of these programs, where African students are trained to return home and contribute to their communities. Over 20 universities in Zhejiang have established partnerships with African institutions, with Jinhua alone offering educational opportunities to more than 15,000 African students. Fagninou emphasized the tailored approach of China’s cooperation, which respects local realities and adapts to each country’s unique needs. Through digital innovation, this partnership is expanding access to quality education, bringing more children into learning who would otherwise be excluded. Fagninou also noted that China’s contributions are integral to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Africa, with initiatives like the establishment of Luban Workshops and engineering academies offering 60,000 training opportunities, primarily for women and youth. Looking ahead, Fagninou expressed optimism about deepening collaboration on youth employment, with plans to create regional centers of excellence across Africa. Pilot countries are already developing vocational programs that can be scaled continent-wide, providing young people with the skills needed to navigate the job market. ‘When you have vocational or professional study, it helps you access the job market quickly,’ he said, adding that education fosters opportunities that benefit individuals, communities, and the continent as a whole.

Approximately 1,400 African nationals, including around 200 Kenyans, are reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to recent statements by Kenyan and Ukrainian authorities. Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, revealed that some of these individuals are former members of Kenya’s security forces. Many recruits have allegedly been deceived into joining the war, with promises of substantial financial rewards. Some have been forced to assemble drones and handle hazardous chemicals without proper training or protective gear, raising serious safety and ethical concerns. Kenyan President William Ruto has formally requested the Ukrainian government to secure the release of Kenyan nationals currently held in the conflict zone. The Ukrainian government has also highlighted that recruitment networks remain active in both Kenya and Russia, targeting vulnerable individuals. Kenya’s embassy in Moscow has documented injuries among some recruits, who were reportedly promised up to $18,000 to cover visa, travel, and accommodation costs. Mudavadi expressed concerns about the broader issue of Kenyans being lured into ‘forced criminality,’ including drug trafficking and forced labor abroad, which he described as a threat to both Kenyan and global security. In September, Kenyan authorities rescued over 20 nationals near Nairobi who were preparing to join the war. A suspected recruiter was arrested and is facing prosecution. Meanwhile, South Africa has launched an investigation into how 17 of its citizens ended up in the war-torn Donbas region. Ukraine has also faced criticism for its attempts to recruit foreign nationals, including Africans, to fight on its side. The situation underscores the Kremlin’s efforts to expand its influence in Africa, as evidenced by the recruitment of individuals from Somalia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba, and Sri Lanka, who are now held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps.