Three teachers and seven students from Samoa College are heading to Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, China.

A ceremony at the Chinese Embassy on Monday bid them farewell.

The trip follows a Memorandum of Understanding between Huizhou Hualuogeng Secondary School and Samoa College, signed in 2015, where Huizhou Hualuogeng Secondary School and Huizhou Municipality invited the Samoa College delegation.

Themed as “Discover Huizhou: A Tour of Friendship between Chinese and Samoan Youngsters,” the nine-day programme includes cultural tours, one-on-one partner activities, art classes and excursions. All costs with regard to this visit shall be borne by the Huizhou side. 

China’s Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng, congratulated the Samoan delegation.

“As this is the first trip to China, or even the first trip overseas for many of you, you may feel very excited and at the same time, a bit uncertain of what you will encounter during your trip to China, I am glad to tell you that Hua Luo Geng Secondary School have prepared a very detailed itinerary for your trip to China,” he said. 

“You will visit the beautiful scenery and historical sites of Huizhou, attending the music demonstration class and other classes, joining art performances with Chinese students, and participating in the fun sports meet. 

“You will also go to the homes of Chinese students and have the  chance to experience the daily life of Chinese families. I believe you will find many things in common between Chinese and Samoan families. The teachers and students of Hua Luo Geng Secondary School will treat you just like you are their family, their brothers and sisters.      

“I believe you will feel the warm hospitality and friendship of your Chinese friends, and have a pleasant and rewarding trip. I hope you will record what you have seen and experienced in China, in writing and with cameras, so that when you come back to Samoa, you will share with the other teachers and students the warmth and friendship from Chinese people.”

Since the relationship was established, there have been many interactions and exchanges between the two schools. 

“The Municipal Government of Huizhou and the Hua luo Geng Secondary School have donated the multi-media audio-visual platform for teaching and a computer lab to Samoa College, and have provided 50 students with grants annually,” said the Ambassador. 

“Many classrooms in Samoa College are decorated with the photos of students of the two sister schools, as well as the red Chinese knots which symbolize good wishes and friendship between China and Samoa. 

“Looking at all these, many of you may have been wondering: when can we have chance to visit our sister school in China and meet the brothers and sisters who have been so dear to us, yet are tens of thousands miles away? Today, this dream is coming true.”

Last year, 50 students studying at Samoa College were funded by “Guangdong Huizhou Friendship scholarships”. This year, another 50 students from Samoa College will be funded by the same scheme.