As a key participant in the Belt and Road Initiative, China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) is helping young people globally to realize their dreams through clean energy projects.
From a remote village to a university lecture hall
Josephine grew up in Ikuku, a remote village in northern Namibia, where there was no electricity, running water, or school. Despite facing poverty challenges and long walks to class, she never gave up on her dream of education. Her determination paid off — she was admitted to the University of Namibia to study electrical engineering.
In 2019, CGN’s Namibian subsidiary, Swakop Uranium, launched an education support program, offering scholarships and living allowances to students from poor backgrounds. Josephine was one of the beneficiaries. With CGN’s full support, she completed her degree and became the first engineer in her village.
During university, Josephine interned at Swakop Uranium each year, gaining valuable hands-on experience. After graduation, she joined the company’s graduate program, rotating through departments to grow her skills.
A journey to China: A new window opens
In 2024, she visited China for the first time as a representative of Swakop Uranium. At the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, she was deeply impressed by CGN’s professionalism and strict standards. “I finally understood what a ‘system’ means,” she said. “Every process is standardized, every detail matters.”
This visit gave her new insights into nuclear power and broadened her view of what Namibia could achieve.
China-Namibia cooperation: Empowering the next generation
CGN’s Swakop Uranium is committed to local talent development. It has donated computers, educational equipment, and materials to under-resourced schools, improving learning conditions and infrastructure.
In alignment with both the BRI and Namibia’s national development strategy, the company has established a systematic talent development framework, including scholarships, internships, graduate training, and career growth, to nurture a locally based, highly skilled workforce with global perspectives.
At a school in Ohangwena Province, northern Namibia, students attend their first computer class under the guidance of Swakop Uranium volunteers. [Photo/Xinhua]
To date, the company has supported over 20 university students, trained 98 graduates, and provided internships to over 800 students. It continues to empower young people to become contributors to Namibia’s development and ambassadors of China-Namibia friendship.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
