2016-07-06Staff Report 2 Windhoek Nineteen leaners from five local secondary schools registered with the Chinese Teaching Site attended a 15-day Summer Camp in China. Professor Sufang Zhang from the office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs and Research at the University of Namibia (Unam) says the campers attended various events related to learning languages and culture exploration, with China University of Geosciences Beijing (CUGB) as their host. Themed “You And Me, Heart In Heart” the summer camp was a learning process for the visitors who were offered 30 hours of language training, linked to the theme of exploring culture. They were encouraged to practice what they have learned in class. Zhang says besides the language course the learners were exposed to traditional Chinese arts of calligraphy, paper cutting (origami) and musical instruments. “They got a chance to get together with secondary school learners in China, offering them an opportunity to learn and experience their peers’ life in China. They also visited several renowned places, including the Great Wall, Tianamen Square, the Forbidden City, Bird Nest Stadium and Water Cube Stadium,” she adds. The learners were chosen from more than 120 people registered with the Chinese Teaching Site. “Now the Chinese language is not on the curriculum of local secondary schools as an examined subject, but the number of learners is increasing rapidly and more schools are indicating their willingness to set up Chinese Teaching Sites,” says Zhang. 2016-07-06Staff Report 2
