The Sunday Mail
Emmanuel Kafe
Bridge Reporter
AS the Government of Zimbabwe continues to cement its bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of China, which dates back to this country’s liberation struggle, there is a dire need to understand the Chinese language and culture in general and also the need for the Chinese people to understand this country’s culture.
This year marks a decade since the establishment of the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe, (CIUZ), an institution that has been the anchor for the exchange of language and culture between the two countries.
As part of their 10th anniversary celebrations, the CIUZ has lined up a number of activities.
Dr Herbert Mushangwe, director of the event, said there will be a one-day symposium to be held at the University of Zimbabwe on October 12 under the theme, “One Belt One Road”.
“Expected are presenters from the Renmin University of China and captains of industry from Zimbabwe,” he said.
The symposium is open to the public. He added that on Friday October 13, the celebrations will be capped by an Anniversary Festival to be held in the Great Hall at the University of Zimbabwe where thousands of people are expected to attend.
There will be an exhibition showcasing the CIUZ’s 10-year journey as well as the different Chinese culture artifacts.
The organisers of the celebrations said there will be top-notch entertainment by various cultural groups, schools and the CIUZ choir.
“The public is invited to have a Chinese experience on this day,” said Dr Mushangwe.
The CIUZ encourages and promotes social harmony through inviting various institutions, departments and individuals from different races, different ethnic groups and different social backgrounds to participate in the Confucius Institute celebrations which are normally held in October every year.
“As a way of complementing the Government efforts in introducing foreign languages in schools, two of the local teachers from the CIUZ participated in the 2016 nationwide primary and secondary schools, the implementations of which is now at an advanced stage,” said Dr Mushangwe.
Through its outreach programmes, the CIUZ has successfully organised training for Government and non-governmental organisations and institutions that interact with Chinese on daily basis.
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