Lela praises Varsities for introducing Confucius Classroom
Our Staff reporter, SUZA
The Minister of Education and Vocational Training Hon. Lela Muhammed Mussa praised the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) and Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) for their strong support to the formation of the Confucius Classroom.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Zanzibar Confucius classroom at Maruhubi SUZA campus, Hon. Lela said the setup of the language learning programme in Zanzibar is a symbol of close ties between the duo and a symbol of friendship and cooperation that has existed for a long time.
Hon. Lela said that the Confucius Class at SUZA offers Chinese language skills for Diploma and Degree students of SUZA and two other educational institutions which are Zanzibar University and Leera school which have joined the programme this year.
‘I am very optimistic that the programme will reinforce a historic relationship between Zanzibar and China’, she said.
She further added that the Chinese language has become prominent worldwide and incorporated in the national education system in 85 countries whereas more than 1,300 Chinese language proficiency testing centres have been established in 160 countries.
However, she called upon SUZA management to encourage more schools to join the Confucius team hence strengthening ties between China and Zanzibar.
The Vice Chancellor of SUZA Prof. Moh’d Makame Haji asked fellow government officials, members of the business community and young men and women to learn Chinese language and culture to enable them fully adapt to the challenges of the 21st century.
‘I request all entrepreneurs of Zanzibar to come and join the Confucius Classroom and be part of the pioneer beneficiaries of what SUZA offers’, he insisted.
Citing on the relationship, the Vice Chancellor commented that the brotherly bilateral relationship between China and Tanzania has withstood the change in the international situation and grown closer than ever.
‘Under the guidance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and its action Plans, the friendly cooperation between China and Tanzania has made a great stride and written a new chapter featuring political equality and mutual trust, a win-win economic and cultural exchange,’ he said.
Addressing the meeting, the Chair of the ZJNU Council Prof. Jiang Yunliang appreciated the SUZA management team for their support toward the establishment of the Confucius Classroom.
He further said that the programme will be an instrument to provide an opportunity to understand the culture and promote mutual benefits from this partnership between our nations.