Feature: Model Confucius institute to become bridge of China-Ghana friendship

The Confucius Institute is set to construct its model institute at the campus of the University of Ghana, Legon, through the joint efforts of the university and the Institute's headquarters in Hanban.

The institute has made giant strides since its inception two years ago, helping to promote the spread of the Chinese language which has become popular to many Ghanaians.

It has not only set up several teaching branches and created a variety of courses but also played a lead role in organizing several cultural events widely welcomed by Ghanaians.

Presently, the Institute is located in the Reginald Amonoo building at the Department of Modern Languages at the University of Ghana but has over the period outgrown the space it occupies.

The construction of the edifice will further bridge the existing friendship between the two countries, said Dr Mei Meilian, Director of the Institute.

She said the new Confucius institute building would add further depths to the campus of the University of Ghana.

"Looking forward, the Confucius Institute will continue to realize the potential by expanding its core function to promote the teaching of the Chinese language and spreading Chinese culture with our view to becoming the bridge of friendship between China and Ghana," said Dr Mei.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, believes the building of the model school couldn't have come at a more opportune time.

He hopes that, upon completion of the project, the Institute will become a world class centre of excellence with state-of-the-art facilities which will serve as a hub for the promotion, teaching and learning not only of Chinese language and culture but also of Chinese traditional medicine and martial arts such as Taichi.

He appealed to all stakeholders who had contributed to the success of the Institute over the last two years to continue to give it their needed support as it entered a new phase.

The teaching of Chinese language has been included in the curricula of the University of Ghana Basic School and parents have given their full backing to the idea.

Nana Ama Agyemang, a parent, said through her children's involvement in Chinese activities and the Chinese lessons received in the classroom, the children are learning a new language and culture which would give them an advantage not only in their education but also in their careers in years to come.

"Indeed, as our children are being exposed to the Chinese language and culture, we the parents are also benefiting indirectly," she said. Enditem