DAR ES SALAAM: THE Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Omary Kipanga, has emphasised that learning the Chinese language plays a crucial role in advancing economic diplomacy.
The Chinese language has been taught in Tanzania since 2013 through the Chinese Institute (CI) at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).
Mr Kipanga made the remarks yesterday during the Chinese Language International Teachers Competition in Tanzania.
“Language is vital in promoting diplomacy and fostering strong relationships. It is especially important in the context of economic diplomacy and Chinese is no exception,” Mr Kipanga said.
He added that learning Chinese opens up numerous opportunities and facilitates easier communication with Chinese speakers across various sectors.
“By engaging in such communication, you unlock opportunities for educational advancement, career growth and even tourism. Through language diplomacy, you also strengthen economic diplomacy,” he explained.
The Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Chen Mingjian, noted that learning Chinese and studying in China are becoming increasingly popular among Tanzanians.
“This competition provides an excellent platform for enhancing teaching skills and acquiring new methods, which will help effectively convey the beauty of the Chinese language to Tanzanian students,” said Ambassador Chen.
The Vice Chancellor of UDSM, Prof William Anangisye, explained that the CI was established through an agreement between the university and the CI headquarters at Hanban, as well as Zhejiang Normal University in China, to promote Chinese language education in Tanzania.
Prof Anangisye highlighted that the institute aims to meet Tanzania’s growing demand for understanding Chinese language, culture, technology and skills, while also fostering mutual understanding between the people of Tanzania and China.
“The CI has also become a platform for socio-political and economic exchange and collaboration between our two nations,” said Prof Anangisye.
He further noted that the CI links UDSM students and Tanzanian companies, helping to recommend job opportunities for graduates.
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“The hard work of the CI staff is ensuring that Tanzanian youth are equipped with the Chinese language skills necessary to enhance their competitiveness in future career development and personal growth,” the Vice Chancellor explained.
“Our collective efforts have empowered our students and faculty, expanded our global network and strengthened our reputation both within Tanzania and beyond,” he added.
The CI Director, Ms Zhang Xiaozhen said the Chinese Language Teaching Idol competition was being held for the first time in Tanzania. She explained that the competition involved 54 Chinese teachers from 11 countries, including Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, Mozambique, Mali, Madagascar, Liberia, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt and Cameroon.
Ms Zhang encouraged more Chinese teachers to participate in such competitions to improve their professional skills and knowledge, ultimately enhancing the quality of Chinese language instruction in Africa.
Since its establishment in 2013, the CI has employed five Tanzanian Chinese language teachers and has partnered with 12 universities, colleges and schools across the country.
