Namibian artists sing Chinese song at the 5th anniversary celebration of the Confucius Institute (CI) at University of Namibia in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, on July 20, 2018. (Xinhua/Wu Changwei)
WINDHOEK, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute (CI) in Namibia has provided valuable cultural experiences for 2,800 Namibian students over the past five years.
Lazarus Hangula, outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia's (UNAM) and the Founding Chairman of the Board of CI in Namibia, said at an celebrating event that five years is a remarkable milestone for an institution that is fast growing and arousing interest among the Namibians.
"Learning of Chinese is the fastest growing inter-generational phenomenon in Namibia among both public and private sector institutions, including business people," he added.
He said the CI has managed to create an enabling environment for studies and business opportunities as well as cultural exchanges.
So far, 10 Chinese teaching sites have been set up in addition to the courses offered at the UNAM Main Campus in Windhoek and others across the country.
The total number of teachers and volunteer teachers currently is 13 and altogether the CI has benefited around 2,800 students over the past five years, he added.
Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhang Yiming said since its establishment, the CI has made marvelous achievements and great progress.
A judge records performance during the 17th Chinese-Bridge Proficiency Competition for College students in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, April 26, 2018. The competition was organized by the Confucius Institute in Namibia. (Xinhua/Wu Changwei)
"The CI has held Chinese Bridge-Chinese Proficiency Competitions both in college and secondary school level, organized summer camp to China, introduced HSK test and established the first radio to introduce China named 'Hello, China!'", he said.
"Hello China" has become the platform to learn Chinese, a name card to display Chinese culture and the bridge of China-Namibia cultural exchanges, he added.
According to Zhang, as a goodwill messenger of culture and friendship, CI has made valuable contribution to language training of UNAM and Namibia as a whole.
Meanwhile, it was highlighted at the event that the blueprint of a CI Center has been amended by UNAM and the country's Planning Commission has put the construction on the list of priority bilateral project support. It is estimated that experts will make research in 2018 and the project will be launched in 2019.
The aim of CI in Namibia is not only to facilitate communication and understanding between Chinese and Namibians, but also to enable Namibians to study and do business with China and to profit from the array of opportunities.
