Confucius Institute plans to open more teaching sites in Namibia

WINDHOEK, FEB 12 — The University of Namibia’s Confucius Institute (CI) plans to establish more teaching sites in the coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, as Namibians continue to show unwavering interest in the program, according to an official.

Director of Confucius Institute at the University of Namibia (UNAM) Zhang Fan said in an interview with Xinhua that this year the CI has already attracted more locals.

“We have more learners at the beginning of 2019 from UNAM and all the secondary and primary schools,” he said, as he compared it to last year’s figure of 1,153 students enrolled.

Zhang said after the various activities undertook at the 5th anniversary celebration of Confucius Institute last year, there have been more and more Namibians keen to learn the Chinese language and culture.
According to Zhang, the CI this year plans to host a Namibia and China News and Media Communication in the New Media Era Seminar to assist in the dissemination of information and understanding of the program.
Furthermore, Zhang said the CI will also collaborate with the country’s National Youth Service and Windhoek Vocational Training Center and People’s Primary School in the fields of cultural exchanges between the two countries.

“We have already opened the Namibia Tour Guide Intensive Chinese Course. We will continue to apply for Chinese language becoming an official foreign language in Namibian education system at Chairman Mao Zedong High School and HSK test becoming an official Chinese examination in Namibian examination system,” he added.

Zhang said building on past successful events, this year the institute will again host the Chinese Bridge Competition for Namibian College students and secondary school students.
“The champion will represent Namibia at the final competition. Furthermore we will organize UNAM students summer camp and senior educational officials trip to China this year,” he added.

Since the CI’s establishment in the south western country, more than 3,000 students have enrolled and received different Chinese culture activities and experiences, inclusive of scholarship opportunities to China as well as job trainings at Chinese companies. – XINHUA