By: Mohamed Sahr
The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in the People’s Republic of China, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Students’ Union in China (SLSUC), has formally welcomed newly arrived Sierra Leonean students during an orientation ceremony held on Saturday, 3rd October 2026, in Beijing.
The ceremony brought together students who recently arrived in China under various scholarship programmes, providing a platform to formally welcome them into the Sierra Leonean student community, introduce them to SLSUC leadership, and connect them with Embassy officials.
The event also afforded the new students the opportunity to receive practical guidance on living and studying in China, understand their responsibilities as Sierra Leonean students abroad, and familiarize themselves with the support structures available through the Embassy and SLSUC.
Delivering the keynote address, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, welcomed the newly arrived students and outlined their responsibilities both as students and as Sierra Leonean citizens living and studying abroad.
The Ambassador placed particular emphasis on immigration and visa-related matters, urging students to pay close attention to the validity of their visas and residence permits. He encouraged them to ensure the timely renewal of their documents and to strictly comply with Chinese immigration laws and regulations.
Ambassador Karim further encouraged the students to participate fully in SLSUC activities and to become active, responsible members of the Union. He specifically urged them to pay their union dues and maintain active membership, noting that students’ contributions and participation are essential to the success of the Union and to their own ability to benefit fully from its programmes, events and activities.
Describing students as the largest constituency of Sierra Leoneans in China, the Ambassador assured them of the Embassy’s openness and accessibility.
“I operate an open-door policy. Therefore, every student is equally important. Feel free to engage with the Embassy and use SLSUC as an intermediary through which you can communicate your concerns, seek guidance and access the Embassy when necessary,” he said.
Ambassador Karim also provided an update on the Grant-in-Aid programme, explaining the process students are expected to follow. He expressed appreciation to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for prioritizing education and acknowledged the support of the People’s Republic of China in creating and advancing educational opportunities for Sierra Leonean students.
He encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunities they have received, reminding them that many young Sierra Leoneans aspire to access similar educational opportunities but may not have the chance to benefit from them.
Mohamed Barbah Conteh, Secretary-General of SLSUC, urged the newly arrived students to respect the laws of the People’s Republic of China and comply with the rules and regulations of their respective universities. He further encouraged them to uphold their responsibilities as Sierra Leonean students living and studying abroad.
The Secretary-General called on the students to become active members of SLSUC, stressing that the Union should be viewed as more than an organisation established solely for formal representation. He highlighted the numerous opportunities available for students to participate in Union activities and showcase their talents.
These activities, he noted, include football, media and communications, cultural programmes, traditional dancing, playing indigenous musical instruments, handicrafts and other initiatives designed to promote student engagement, cultural identity and community building.
According to Conteh, participation in such activities can help students develop their talents while strengthening relationships and solidarity among Sierra Leonean students across China.
Yusif Alhajie Fofanah, Beijing Governor of SLSUC, highlighted the importance of the programme, explaining that the orientation was designed to connect the Embassy, SLSUC leadership and the wider Sierra Leonean student community.
Fofanah said the objective was to ensure that newly arrived students understand where to turn for guidance, support and opportunities throughout their academic journey in China.
He outlined five key objectives of the orientation: to officially welcome the students to Beijing and introduce them to the vibrant Sierra Leonean student community; to introduce them to the Embassy and SLSUC leadership while explaining the support and welfare structures available to them; to provide practical guidance on living, studying and adapting to life in China, particularly in Beijing; to promote unity and networking by bridging the gap between newly arrived students and continuing students with experience of living and studying in China; and to create an open platform where students could raise questions and concerns and interact directly with Embassy officials and SLSUC leaders.
Fofanah reassured the new students that the Embassy and SLSUC leadership would continue to embrace and support them as members of the wider Sierra Leonean student family in China.
“We understand that coming to a new country, adapting to a new academic environment, and navigating a new society can be challenging. That is exactly why we have organised this orientation,” he stated.
The Beijing Governor further expressed the commitment of SLSUC leadership to promoting the welfare, unity, academic development and overall well-being of Sierra Leonean students in Beijing and beyond.
He said the administration wanted every student to know where to seek help, who to contact and how to become an active and responsible member of the Sierra Leonean student community.
Fofanah expressed appreciation to the Embassy of Sierra Leone in China, the SLSUC Executive, the Council of Governors and all those who contributed their time and effort towards making the orientation programme a success.
The orientation ended with a renewed call for unity, active participation and responsible conduct among Sierra Leonean students in China. The programme reinforced the importance of cooperation between the Embassy, SLSUC leadership and students in ensuring that newly arrived Sierra Leoneans are adequately supported as they begin their academic journey in the People’s Republic of China.
The event ultimately provided the new students with an important introduction to their new environment while strengthening the relationship between the Sierra Leonean student community and the Embassy.