A GROUP of 15 teachers left for China on Monday to join 35 others that visited the Asian country to find ways of creating partnerships with their counterparts in the education sector. The trip was organised by the Zimbabwe-China Friendship Association.

Speaking at the Harare International Airport, ZCFA president Cde Absolom Sikhosana, said the visit would strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries through increased trade and joint ventures.

The educators were drawn from the country's 10 provinces and they are all women.

"You should go there and make good synergies with your counterparts. Be good ambassadors of the country. Show them what we have and they will show you what they have.

"There are various opportunities in China that can help you improve your lives. It is these opportunities that we want you to take advantage of. The interaction you are going to have should help in cementing the relationships between the two countries," said Cde Sikhosana.

Cde Sikhosana, who is also Zanu-PF youth secretary, said the partnerships forged would result in the Chinese and Zimbabweans meeting on a "people to people level".

"We were used to high-ranked people in both countries having meetings but there was this missing link," he said.

"We want to see people interacting as ordinary citizens and meeting on a people to people level."

ZCFA deputy president, Cde Mandi Chimene, is leading the delegation.

Cde Sikhosana urged the teachers to explore opportunities in the technology sector.

"We have the resources and they have the technology. You should find ways of creating a win-win situation and your focus should be in the technology sector," he said.

Teachers interviewed expressed optimism that the trip would be an eye opener.

Mrs Beauty Mabuto from Amaveni Primary School in Bulawayo said: "We hope to see how our counterparts are doing in their schools and we want the knowledge gained to help our country."

"We have our own way of doing things but it is always important to see how other developed nations are conducting their business because we are still developing. It is my understanding that the relations we have with China will see us moving mountains in terms of development."

The delegation is expected in the country on Saturday.