Officials from South Africa and East China's Jiangsu province explore cooperation in vocational education on Nov 4. [Photo/jyt.jiangsu.gov.cn]

Officials from South Africa and East China's Jiangsu province explored cooperation in vocational education on Nov 4. 

Cao Yumei, deputy director at the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, introduced the South African delegation to the educational climate in Jiangsu and the success it has seen in establishing vocational education ties with Singapore, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. 

She also welcomed more students from the country to study in Jiangsu, and called on schools on both sides to strengthen ties in student exchange, faculty training and research. 

Gregory Adams, an official at merSETA, said he was impressed by Jiangsu's vocational education system. He expressed hope that the Chinese experience can inspire more South African students and help more families escape poverty. 

The merSETA, which encompasses manufacturing, engineering, and related services, was established to develop professional skills and broadly represents the different sectors of the South African economy. 

Jiangsu in recent years has achieved remarkable progress in vocational education. A total of 203 joint education programs were launched by 59 local institutions working with foreign partners, accounting for one fifth of the national total. South Africa is also a top choice for Jiangsu schools looking to open campuses overseas.