LAUNCH OF NEW PROFESSIONAL CHINESE LANGUAGE COURSE

LAUNCH OF NEW PROFESSIONAL CHINESE LANGUAGE COURSE

Friday 25^th June 2021, Kenyatta University and Shandong Normal University came together to witness another great millstone in their collaborative journey with the launch of the ‘China-Kenya Friendship Ambassador Training Programme’. Separated by a five (5) hour time difference, the two Universities headed by their individual Vice Chancellors led a team of over 250 participants to kick start the Professional course. After the call for application, the Confucius Institute processed very many applications from Kenya’s Ministry of Education, the Teacher’s Service Commission, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, KUCI Alumni and speakers of Chinese Language. Candidates were very excited to start the course.

The programme aims to equip learners with Chinese language speaking knowledge and promote educational resource sharing between the two Universities and by extension countries. It will also enhance the intercollegiate cooperation between Kenyatta University and Shandong Normal University

Fully funded by China’s Ministry of Education, the project takes a fully online mode. Right from the Launch ceremony to the graduation, all activities will be held online, this is in line with Kenya’s Ministry of Health Covid-19 guidelines. Classes shall as well be held on Saturdays only. The students shall be taught by Chinese and Kenyan lecturers and a panel of experts form the two University’s Schools of Education.

Speaking during the launch of the ceremony, Shandong Normal University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Zhang Wenxin said he was happy to have received numerous delegations from Kenyatta University in Jinan China. He said over the years both institutions have had successful exchanges of both faculty and students. He was happy that since its establishment in 2008, the Confucius Institute has grown into one of the largest HSK/HSKK Centres and also boasts of having the largest number of Confucius Classrooms in Kenya. He said the programme is an important part of China’s One Belt One Road Education Action.

Kenyatta University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul K. Wainaina officially launched the programme. As the Chief Guest, he thanked Shandong Normal University Vice Chancellor for the continual cordial partnership between the two universities that has grown beyond the Confucius Institute. He said over time collaborations are now being witnessed between the two university’s schools of Music, Business, Architecture, Medicine, Education and others. He was happy that it was as a result of such partnership that the Professional Course was being launched. He also said his office is ready to keep supporting all current forms of partnerships. Having played home to over 200 Chinese faculty members, he said he understands the importance of international exposure. The Vice Chancellor asked the students to take advatage of the free comprehensive training and learn the language so that they can better serve their employers. He said he was confident that the lecturers and panel of experts shall teach with outmost excellence as they all have a wealth of experience in their fields of study.

Other speakers and distinguished guests included Kenyatta University DVC Academic Prof. Paul Okemo, Dean School of Education Prof. Kisilu Kombo and Shandong Normal University’s Director Office of International Exchanges and Cooperation Prof. Zhou Lianyong, Dean School Of Education Prof. Ma Maoxiang among others.

Indeed it was a momentous occasion and the Institute’s two Directors couldn’t be prouder. The Local Director Dr. Hellen Guantai said a lot of work had gone into coming up with curriculum, selection and invitation to experts, marketing of the course and preparation for the launch ceremony. She said most of the work was done during the 2020 Cvoid-19 lockdown. She welcomed all qualified candidates to take advantage of the course and spread the good name of Confucius Institute. The Director also thanked faculty and staff at the Institute for their hard work.

Classes are set to kick off on 26^th June 2021.