adminTiller Maringa
THE Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe (CIUZ) celebrated its 15th anniversary last Friday at the campus.
CIUZ was named after Chinese philosopher ‘‘Confucius’’.
It specialises in teaching and learning of the Chinese language and culture in Zimbabwe for cultural exchange and strengthening the cordial relations between the two countries.
Students from the Zimbabwe School of Mines and Nkulumane High School from Bulawayo, Churchill Boys High and Midlands Christian College, among others, attended the celebrations.
Churchill High, UZ Choir and the Confucius Institute Choir entertained guests in the Great Hall.
The CIUZ has done a lot of work since being established in 2007.
CIUZ director, Dr Mukaro, said the teaching of Chinese to locals has strengthened relations between Zimbabwe and China, which dates back to the liberation struggle.
“This educational exchange is meant for economic and technological advancement,” said Dr Mukaro.
UZ Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Mapfumo congratulated those who sailed through the competitions and were awarded scholarships.
“5.0 Education philosophy is geared to commercialise foreign languages to speed our modern agenda of innovation and industrialisation, which is in line with Vision 2030,” said Prof Mapfumo.
About 4 000 students have taken the HSK Chinese proficiency tests in Zimbabwe in the past 15 years.
The event was attended by Cheng Yan, the Charge d’Affaires at the Chinese Embassy, and Zhao Ke, director of China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre.
Online Reporter