Training Center for Local Chinese Teachers in West Africa Inaugurated in Cape Coast
Story: GEORGINA APPIAH
A regional training center for local Chinese teachers in West Africa has been inaugurated at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
The Chinese Center for Language Education and Cooperation, through the Confucius Institute, a Chinese learning institute at the UCC, in collaboration with the University, established the training center to equip local teachers with the necessary skills to teach the Chinese language effectively across West Africa.
According to the Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Denis Aheto, the training center would serve as a beacon of excellence in addressing the challenge of Chinese teaching.
”Through carefully designed programs, workshops and resources development, the center will enhance professional competence, promote cross cultural understanding and develop sustainable language education”, the Pro VC underscored.
“We envision this center as a hub, not just for only Ghana but for the entire West African region. A space, where teachers from countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and others can come together to share ideas learn from one another and collectively elevate the quality of Chinese education across the sub -region”, he maintained.
The Deputy Director of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation at the Ministry of Education, China, Hu Zhiping, indicated that “the Chinese language serves as an integral component of global multiculturalism”.
He disclosed that “international Chinese language education is thriving, with over 190 countries offering Chinese language as a program.
Eighty-five (85) of these countries have integrated Chinese into their national education system.
He further stated that “the demand for learning Chinese in Africa has increased”.
Hence, the need for qualified Chinese teachers to meet the demand.
In an interview with Gnewsprime, the Ghana Director for Confucius Institute, UCC, Professor Emmanuel Amo Ofori stated that the Chinese language would soon be introduced into the Basic School Education in Ghana, following a memorandum of understanding that had been signed between the Ministry of Education in China and Ghana’s Education Ministry.
He maintained that “learning the Chinese language opens doors for students and lecturers among other professionals”.
The China Director for the Confucius Institute, Professor OU Yamei, was optimistic people interested in the Chinese language would leverage the opportunity created by China and acquire proficiency in the language .
