Varsities, Schools Embrace Chinese Language To Create More Jobs
Students in Kenyan universities and high schools are learning Chinese to improve their professional competence in the global job market.
Over 500 students are enrolled in various proficiency-level Chinese classes at the University of Nairobi’s Confucius Institute.
The increased job opportunities available to Kenyan youth in Chinese companies operating in the country are fueling the demand for Chinese language.
Zhou Pingjian, the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, stated that his government has noticed an increase in interest in the Chinese language among local students and citizens in general.
He stated that the Chinese government will continue to support Chinese language learning and research activities at local universities in order to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Beijing and Nairobi.
“Chinese language ability may open a big door and provide you a sure way to understand China, its foreign policy and predict its future as a just society,” said Dr Zhou.
The envoy was speaking when he visited the University of Nairobi on Friday to interact with Chinese language students and faculty members in an event dubbed “Ask the Ambassador,” which was also attended by State House Girls and May Hill Girls high schools.
Zhou stated that China’s African policy is based on collaborating with the continent to pursue common interests.
“We will adhere to the principles of sincerity, practicability, and tangible results.” Kenya is an excellent example of the fruitful results of China’s cooperation with developing countries. We can’t do what we shouldn’t do with Africa because we’re too practical,“ the envoy said.
Kenya will begin teaching Mandarin as a foreign language in primary and secondary schools in 2020.
Kenya currently has four Confucius Institutes, located at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta, Egerton, and Moi universities.
“We have programmes for both UoN students and the public. Anyone interested can just login to the university’s website and join our classes,” said the institute’s Director, Prof Wang Shangxue.
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According to Prof Wang, the institute provides students with networking opportunities, job opportunities, and internships, particularly in Chinese businesses operating in Kenya.
“There is a high demand by local Chinese companies for people who can speak the Chinese language. A lot of companies come to me almost every week to help them get students who can speak good Chinese,” she said.
The Confucius Institutes have also helped young Kenyans obtain scholarships to study in China. By 2019, over 2,400 Kenyans had enrolled in various Chinese universities.
Vice-Chancellor Stephen Kiama of the University of Nairobi stated that students from the university have consistently benefited from the annual Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarships.
“Since its establishment (in 2005), the Confucius Institute has enrolled well over 19,000 students. The institute has continued to train talented and excellent Chinese language students,” said Prof Kiama.
Varsities, Schools Embrace Chinese Language To Create More Jobs