Dr Lu Youqing, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania
China
intends to construct a modern library valued USD16m at the University
of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) in efforts to improve its learning environment
Dr Lu Youqing, the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania has announced.
He was speaking during the launch of the Confucius Institute (CI) at UDSM recently. The function was attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Bernard Membe as well as academicians, diplomats and other government officials.
In his speech, the ambassador, who also donated about 400 office chairs to UDSM, said his government is committed to strengthen its cordial ties with Tanzania.
Prof Rwekaza Mukandala, UDSM Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude for the support saying it serves a great contribution in the institution’s second phase of expansion. Revealing that they have other plans with China meant for the construction of a secondary school to be used for practical training of UDSM School of Education students. "We have signed an agreement with Chinese officials for implementation of the plan…," he said.
Construction of both the library, which is to be at least four times larger than the current one, and also that of the secondary school, will start next year. As to the Confucius Institute at UDSM where among other things mandarin will be taught, Membe said by learning the Chinese Language Tanzanians will not only add their knowledge of Chinese culture, but also create more employment opportunities in Chinese companies.
"It's very important to learn Chinese if we are to promote our tourism. China, with a population of 1.3billion offers great market," he said pointing out that unlike Alliance Francais and the British Council French and English are taught respectively China had no such institute until now.
The Chinese Institute at UDSM was established back in January this year to train university members of staff, government officials and individuals on Chinese Language and culture.
He was speaking during the launch of the Confucius Institute (CI) at UDSM recently. The function was attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Bernard Membe as well as academicians, diplomats and other government officials.
In his speech, the ambassador, who also donated about 400 office chairs to UDSM, said his government is committed to strengthen its cordial ties with Tanzania.
Prof Rwekaza Mukandala, UDSM Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude for the support saying it serves a great contribution in the institution’s second phase of expansion. Revealing that they have other plans with China meant for the construction of a secondary school to be used for practical training of UDSM School of Education students. "We have signed an agreement with Chinese officials for implementation of the plan…," he said.
Construction of both the library, which is to be at least four times larger than the current one, and also that of the secondary school, will start next year. As to the Confucius Institute at UDSM where among other things mandarin will be taught, Membe said by learning the Chinese Language Tanzanians will not only add their knowledge of Chinese culture, but also create more employment opportunities in Chinese companies.
"It's very important to learn Chinese if we are to promote our tourism. China, with a population of 1.3billion offers great market," he said pointing out that unlike Alliance Francais and the British Council French and English are taught respectively China had no such institute until now.
The Chinese Institute at UDSM was established back in January this year to train university members of staff, government officials and individuals on Chinese Language and culture.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
