During Harare’s jacaranda blooming season, the streets are filled with a rich floral fragrance. It was this captivating aroma that first caught the attention of Zhao Ke, then a 28-year-old man, as he paused to take it in. Little did he know that this moment would mark the beginning of a nearly three-decade-long connection with Zimbabwe. 

Now 56, Zhao, a Chinese entrepreneur from Liaoning Province, arrived in Zimbabwe in 1996 to establish his business. With sharp business acumen and unwavering dedication, he gradually made his mark across sectors such as Sino-Zimbabwean trade, tourism, and cultural media. His success not only advanced his career, but also contributed to bilateral exchanges between China and Zimbabwe. 

Over the years, Zhao has come to realise that deepening cooperation between the two nations requires more than economic ties – cultural and educational exchanges are equally crucial. In 2017, he founded the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre (CZEC), the only Chinese registered non-governmental organisation in Zimbabwe. Today, it serves as a key platform for promoting mutual understanding and collaboration between the two countries. 

Rising from grassroots 

In Zimbabwe, the DreamStar talent show has become a highly popular event. Organised by the CZEC, this annual large-scale public welfare talent show attracts thousands of young Zimbabweans to attend. 

Since its launch in 2014, the show has been successfully held 10 times. Every year, thousands of talented young hopefuls participate, vying for the top prize.

“Our original intention was simple: to offer Zimbabwean young people a chance to realise their dreams,” Zhao, the organiser of the DreamStar competition, told ChinAfrica. 

Over the years, DreamStar has developed into the flagship project of China-Zimbabwe cultural exchange, and its popularity among young Zimbabwean artists has grown significantly. 

Zhao noted that many African children possess remarkable talents, who are like pearls scattered among the people. He and his friends aim to discover these “pearls” and help these dreamers to shine brightly. “Zimbabwe is an artistic country, yet it lacks an art-creating platform.” By holding this event, they hope to inspire African youth to strive to achieve their goals. 

Since its inception in 2014, DreamStar has aimed to promote and nurture young Zimbabwean artists by providing a platform for them to showcase their talent. “Our strategy is to identify talent in Zimbabwe’s cultural industry, build a platform for young people, and assist them in going further,” Zhao said. “Many young artists are emerging, so we create a platform for them to return to the community and let the community appreciate their talent.” 

Besides the prize money for the top three winners, finalists also have the opportunity to visit China for various events, festivals, and cultural exchange programmes. Under the DreamStar programme, the Chinese government awarded full scholarships to 15 young artists selected from previous competitions.

Promoting educational exchanges 

Education is one of the areas that Zhao is most concerned about. In 2020, the CZEC launched the China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship project. It subsidises nearly 300 poor but outstanding students every year. 

To raise funds, Zhao travelled extensively, contacting various domestic organisations including chambers of commerce. “I know that education is the key to changing destiny. For those Zimbabwean students who are hungry for knowledge, this scholarship may serve as a beacon of hope,” he said.  

To date, the scholarship has helped more than 1,000 college, middle school, and elementary school students to further their education, raising nearly $300,000 in scholarships and grants. Some of these students come from poor rural families, and some are orphans, but they all have the opportunity to receive a better education because of Zhao’s efforts. 

In Zhao’s view, Zimbabweans are gentle, enduring and tolerant, and “have an infinite love for life.” 

“I have witnessed the historical changes in Zimbabwe and am well aware of the challenges this country faces in its development process. In spending time with the local people day and night, I felt their enthusiasm and kindness, and also saw their desire for a better life in the midst of poverty and difficulties,” Zhao said. 

Zhao also mentioned that insufficient and unequal access to high-quality higher education opportunities has hindered Africa’s economic development and its goal of eradicating poverty. 

Through more than 10 public welfare projects, the CZEC has made positive contributions to solving major issues, such as student aid, clean water, meals for poor students, wildlife protection, and employment assistance.

African Times has published this article in partnership with ChinAfrica Magazine