The Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is celebrating a milestone – its 10th anniversary. This decade-long journey has significantly impacted the lives of many Tanzanians, offering them a gateway to understand and engage with Chinese language and culture.
Asha Fum Khamis, a Chinese language teacher from Zanzibar, Tanzania, highlighted the growing global importance of the Chinese language. She sees it as a key that unlocks opportunities for the youth, both locally and internationally. Her perspective reflects the growing trend of Chinese language learning across the world and its relevance in contemporary society.
For Tanzanian students like Elionora Joseph Mosha, 22, and Hamida Seif Alawi, 24, studying at the University of Dar es Salaam, the Confucius Institute has broadened their horizons. Both students, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in language studies, have found that learning Chinese has opened up new avenues for understanding not only China but also the world at large.
Aldin Mutembei, the Tanzanian director at the institute, emphasized the role of the Confucius Institute as a cultural and friendship bridge between China and Tanzania. This cultural exchange program has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties between the two nations.
Over the past decade, the institute has welcomed more than 100 teachers and volunteers from China, who have trained over 60,000 Chinese language learners in Tanzania. This remarkable achievement underlines the institute’s commitment to language education and cultural exchange.
Zhang Xiaozhen, the Chinese director of the institute, shared these accomplishments, highlighting the significant impact that the institute has had in promoting Chinese language and culture in Tanzania.
Further contributing to the educational ties between the two countries, the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, noted that the institute has facilitated nearly 100 Tanzanian students in obtaining scholarships to study in China. These scholarships have provided Tanzanian students with invaluable opportunities for higher education and cultural immersion.
Established in 2013 through a collaborative agreement between the University of Dar es Salaam, the Chinese International Education Foundation, and Zhejiang Normal University, the Confucius Institute has played a pivotal role in bringing Chinese language and culture to the heart of Tanzania. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, the institute continues to stand as a testament to the enduring educational and cultural bonds between China and Tanzania.
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