Zhang Guangfu, CCECC
TAZARA is celebrating its 50th golden anniversary. Looking back, it has been 25 years since I embarked on this journey alongside the railway and generations of trainees—and my heart is filled with deep emotion.
As an educator in the railway sector, I feel deeply privileged to have witnessed the growth and transformation of this "Railway of Friendship," with my classroom serving as a bridge connecting people. My story began in 2001 at Tianjin Railway Engineering School, where I taught communication courses to trainees from Tanzania and Zambia. Over these 25 years, I have led five training cohorts, training a total of 180 students from these two African nations.
Across all five cohorts, I did far more than deliver professional instruction. I lived and studied alongside my students, and we even played sports together in our spare time—growing and progressing together as peers. In 2008, I traveled to Tanzania and visited TAZARA Headquarters to observe its daily operations firsthand.
These 25 years have been a journey of mutual learning and shared progress. Constant interaction has not only strengthened my professional expertise but also significantly improved my English proficiency. Traveling abroad and forming friendships across different cultures have broadened my horizons and helped me become more open-minded and composed.
Through years of companionship, our relationship has grown far beyond that of teacher and student—we are now like family. Though separated by mountains and oceans, our bond remains warm and enduring. I cherish this friendship as one of life's greatest treasures.
Currently, I work at CCECC and serve as Director of the TAZARA Training Center. At this historic milestone, I remain committed to my original mission: nurturing talent and supporting TAZARA's continued development with dedication and care.
May the friendship among China, Tanzania, and Zambia last forever—and may TAZARA grow ever stronger on its new journey ahead!
