100 teachers to be trained in Chinese language

PIC: The Associate Prof. Lihua Xu (left) of Zhejiang Normal University hands over a gift to the director of National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) Grace Baguma after a meeting at the Centre on Tuesday September 6, 2016. . Photos/ Francis Emorut

A total of 100 teachers will be trained by the Office of Chinese Language Council International in Chinese language so as to begin teaching in lower secondary schools.

This was revealed by the director of National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) Grace Baguma during a meeting with the Chinese delegation.

The Chinese delegation is in the country to find out how far the (NCDC) has gone in preparations to start teaching Chinese Language in lower secondary.

 
The Chinese delegation was led by the associate professor Lihua Xu of Zhejiang Normal University.

The associate professor was accompanied by Chinese language teaching advisor from Hanban and department of basic education Republic of South Africa, Dr. Xiaoming Lan, Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire who is the director of Confucius Institute at Makerere University and Prof. Hong Yong Hong the Chinese director Confucius Institute at Makerere University among others.

Prof. Xu said she has a wealth of experience in managing Chinese Language and she was brain child of teaching Chinese Language in 20 schools in Pretoria, South Africa and plans to expand 150 schools in other provinces.

The Associate Prof. Lihua Xu (left) of Zhejiang Normal University, Prof Oswald Ndoleriire(second left) talking to Henry Adramunguni (second right) a curriculum specialist at and prof Hong Yong Hong Chinese director at Confucius Institute at Makerere university during a meeting at National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC)

 
Baguma informed the Chinese delegation that 100 teachers from different secondary schools have already been identified to be trained in Chinese Language at Luyanzi College Bweyogerere College Campus.

She explained that there is need to realign Chinese Language with other subjects so that Chinese Language doesn't stand as an Island.

The Associate Prof. Lihua Xu (right) of Zhejiang Normal University and the Chinese Language technical advisor Dr. Xiaoming Lan during a meeting at National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC)

 
She told the Chinese delegation that teaching of Chinese Language starts in 2018 but teachers need to be trained first.

If approved, the Chinese Language would be the fifth of Languages taught in the country among them are Latin, Arabic, French and German.

The Associate Prof. Lihua Xu (in purple dress) of Zhejiang Normal University and the director of Luyanzi College Bweyogerere Campus Sooma Ayub during a tour to the college where 100 teachers would be trained in Chinese language on September 6, 2016. Left is the Chinese Language technical advisor Dr. Xiaoming Lan.

Prof. Ndoleriire emphasized that the availability of teaching guides is crucial for the success of the programme.

Sooma Ayub the director of Luyanzi College said that the teaching of Chinese Language would go a long way in promoting business between Chinese people and Ugandans as well as strengthening the diplomatic ties.