Since its establishment in December 2023, the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) has made significant strides in promoting Chinese language education and cultural activities at the University of Venda (UNIVEN). In October 2024, GTCI marked an exciting new chapter by opening several teaching sites across Limpopo, catering to children, teenagers, and adults in local communities.
New Beginnings at UNIVEN Experimental Kindergarten
On 01 October 2024, GTCI inaugurated a new teaching site at the UNIVEN Experimental Kindergarten. The launch ceremony was attended by key figures including Thabo Dikgale, Partnerships Officer at UNIVEN, Rudzani Mamphweli, Community Engagement Officer, and Prof Grace Ge, Co-Director of GTCI. The initiative introduced Chinese language classes to 40 local children and Kindergarten staff.
Prof Ge expressed her gratitude to UNIVEN Experimental Kindergarten for welcoming GTCI into their educational framework, emphasising the importance of collaboration in enriching children’s learning experiences. Thabo Dikgale praised GTCI for its role in strengthening the partnership between UNIVEN and Hubei University of Science and Technology (HBUT), which has broadened access to the Chinese language for local learners.
On 06 October 2024, GTCI held discussions with representatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, the Community Policing Forum (CPF), and the Chinese Community and Police Co-operation Center. The focus was on establishing a Chinese language teaching site for police officers in Polokwane.
L-R: Ted Xiong, Kgasago Frans, Monica Thembi Hadebe, Grace Ge, Eric Maluta
The meeting concluded with an agreement to create a specialised Chinese language training pro-gramme for SAPS officers, aiming to enhance their multilingual capabilities. This initiative will involve 40 selected officers from various police stations in Limpopo, who will participate in comprehensive training sessions designed to improve their communication skills and operational effectiveness.
On 08 October 2024, GTCI launched another teaching site at Marude Secondary School. The cere-mony was attended by school officials, including Principal Mr Alex Muthelo, alongside GTCI repre-sentatives. This initiative will see 108 Grade 8 learners embark on a journey to learn Chinese, with the programme extending throughout their secondary education.
Prof Ge highlighted the collaboration’s significance in enriching language education within the Vhembe District. This partnership aims to enhance cultural exchange and mutual understanding among diverse communities, ultimately fostering a more globally aware and multilingual populace. UNIVEN prioritises local relevance in its mission, and as the sole Chinese language institution in Limpopo, GTCI is dedicated to benefiting local communities. Looking ahead, GTCI will continue to engage actively with these communities, promoting multilingual education and cultural exchanges.
By doing so, it aims to enrich the lives of both UNIVEN students and local communities through language and cultural initiatives, as well as through the transfer of green technology knowledge. Through these efforts, GTCI is not only enhancing educational opportunities but also fostering a spirit of cooperation and understanding that will contribute to the prosperity and development of the Limpopo region.
Issued by:
Department Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
Date: 28 October 2024.
