POKHARA, Nepal, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kopila Magar, a bachelor's level student at Kalika Public College based in Nepal's tourism hub Pokhara, had thought of dropping out of the college many times as he couldn't pay the fees.
More than 2,500 students are currently studying in the college and its sister institution Kalika Secondary School. Most of the students are living below the poverty line and the drop out ratio is very high, according to Jyoti Babu Paudel, the college's principal.
"But now I believe I can study more, help my parents and be an entrepreneur some day," Magar said with confidence to Xinhua on Monday.
At a special function held in the campus of the college, Magar received a certificate of a year-long scholarship thanks to a donation by China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd, the contractor of Pokhara International Airport, which is under construction in Pokhara, some 200 km away from the capital city Kathmandu.
Under the support of over 1 million Nepali rupees (over 8,693.8 U.S. dollars), like Magar, at least 45 students from Kalika school and college have received year-long scholarships, while over 50 students have received new books.
Sita Giri, a secondary level student, told Xinhua "This is the first time in my life to receive full scholarship, which will fulfill my dream of education."
She said she wants to visit China and study there in the future.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Prithvi Subba Gurung expressed gratitude to the Chinese company for providing educational support to the Nepalese Students.
"This remarkable contribution will help enhance the friendship between the two countries," Gurung said.
Ding Jian, vice chairman of China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd. shared his happiness for being a part of the endeavor to support Nepal's education sector.
"We will try our best to deliver high quality projects in Nepal and to strengthen the harmonious relationship with the Nepali people," Ding said.
This is the first time that the company extended assistance to the education sector of Nepal.
Man Bahadur GC, mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, said, "The Chinese support is very instrumental and will strengthen the people-to-people ties between the two countries and create positive changes in the community."
