On the afternoon of July 10, a delegation participating in the Training Program on Women’s Economic Empowerment and Employment for Francophone African Countries visited Fujian Hwa Nan. Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of China (MOFCOM) and hosted by the Fujian Foreign Economic Cooperation Center, the program aims to share China’s developmental practices and advance exchanges with Belt and Road partner countries. President Ren Jianhong, Vice President Wu Lanjia, President Assistant Yao Guangping, and heads of relevant departments welcomed the guests. The visit aimed to share China’s developmental stories, showcase Fujian’s practical experience, and foster exchanges and cooperation between Hwa Nan and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.

The visit opened at the College History Museum. President Ren Jianhong walked the delegates through Hwa Nan’s century-long history since its founding in 1908, sharing the College’s enduring commitment to women’s higher education. The guests were struck by the college’s unique character—at once “time-honored” and “youthful”—and left with a deeper appreciation of how China’s women’s vocational education has evolved over the past hundred years.

The delegation then split into groups to tour the on-campus training facilities of the Departments of Health Services, Art and Design, and International Business & Management. They witnessed firsthand Hwa Nan’s distinctive pedagogical model, which seamlessly integrates theoretical instruction with practical training, utilizing both physical simulations and virtual reality technologies.

At the Women’s Studies Center, the delegates participated in immersive cultural activities featuring traditional Chinese handicrafts and local Min-style folk customs. These interactive experiences allowed the guests to appreciate the richness of Chinese culture and significantly strengthened the bonds of friendship between Chinese and African women.

Vice President Wu Lanjia presided over a thematic seminar following the tour. Mr. Huang An, Director of the Fujian Foreign Economic Cooperation Center, introduced the delegates and highlighted the significance of the visit, extending his gratitude for the College’s warm reception and meticulous arrangements. President Ren Jianhong delivered a welcome address, interpreting the College’s profile and distinctive features through the lens of its cherished school motto. The President of the Tunisian National Union of Women expressed strong resonance with the College’s ethos. She highly commended Hwa Nan’s alignment with modern industrial demands and its success in cultivating high-caliber technical talent that embodies both professional competence and ethical integrity. During the interactive session, delegates engaged in enthusiastic discussions, laying a solid foundation for future pragmatic cooperation in areas such as international student recruitment and women’s employment support.

Leveraging its institutional strengths in women’s vocational education and gender studies, Hwa Nan has established a practical platform for dialogue among women from China and Francophone Africa. Both parties look forward to exploring further collaborative opportunities through subsequent training initiatives and jointly writing a new chapter in women’s development in the new era.