Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia

Introduction

The Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia was established by Hebei University of Economics and Business and the University of Zambia with the Approval of Hanban. At 12:30 p.m. on 26th July 2010, the signing ceremony and plaque award ceremony was held in Zambia’s president palace.

The signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement was witnessed by State councilor Dai Bingguo, the Chinese ambassador to Zambia Li Qiangmin, leaders of the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Commerce under the State Council, Deputy Director of Hebei Education Department Zhai Haihun, the president of Hebei University of Economics and Business Dr. Wangying, vice president Dr. Shen Fuping, Director of International Exchange Center Wang Qingyun and the president of the University of Zambia Dr. Steven. After the ceremony, Ambassador Li awarded the plaque to the president of Hebei University of Economics and Trade Dr. Wangying and the president of the University of Zambia Dr. Steven.

At 17:30 p.m. on 26th July 2010, the cooperation agreement between Hebei University of Economics and Business and the University of Zambia was signed in the Assembly Hall of the University of Zambia. President Wang Ying and President Steven signed the agreement on behalf of Hebei University of Economics and Business and the University of Zambia respectively. At the same time, Chinese Director He Yi began to take up office.

From then, the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia was officially launched. It started to operate on 1st September 2010. The Chinese Director has been in Zambia for twice. With the direction from Hanban, the Chinese Director went to take part in the 2010 Joint Conference of African Confucius Institutes held in Cameroons in August. After that, He returned to China to attend the advanced seminar held for Chinese Directors of Confucius Institutes in Wuhan.

Regular teaching activities

On 4th October 2010, the first class of basic Chinese course at the Confucius Institute of the University of Zambia started with 20 students attending.

At present, there are together four Chinese classes including two classes for basic Chinese courses for students and professionals, one class for banking business Chinese and one class for senior executives in universities. The number of students is 70 and classes are taught for 15 academic hours per week.

Since books donated by Hanban haven’t arrived yet, the temporary teaching materials are textbooks about daily –spoken Chinese compiled by the Chinese Director He Yi.

Development goals and plans

First, to work hard to accelerate the implementation of the construction for Confucius Institute building; try to commence the building next year in order to improve the Institute’s teaching and learning conditions.

Second, to expand the influence of Chinese language and culture in Zambia though various approaches, including Chinese teaching, Chinese radio programs and online Chinese promotional programs.

Third, to catalyze the University of Zambia integrate Chinese into a compulsory course of its school of humanity and social sciences as well as a optional course of other schools by boosting the Confucius Institute’s teaching performance and promotion of Chinese language and culture.

Fourth, to expand the influence of Chinese and serve the locals, i.e., to cultivate professional talents of Chinese for major banks, hotels, airports, China-invested organizations and the local government of the capital of Zambia.

Fifth, to develop Chinese teaching sites or Confucius Classrooms in the capital of Zambia and actively seek cooperation opportunities.

Sixth, to gradually expand the promotion of Chinese language and culture to other three important cities around the capital. Ndola and Kitwe are copper mines and the cities where a lot of China-invested enterprises are based in. Therefore, there is a huge demand for Chinese Speakers. Importance should be attached to adult business Chinese, Chinese teaching in primary, secondary schools, basic and professional Chinese courses in Copperbelt University. Livingston is a southern tourist city; therefore, tourism Chinese should become a highlight.

Seventh, to apply for HSK sites and sites of the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition.

Contact information

Heyi, Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia

Address：Great East Road Campus, P.O.Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.

Phone number: 00260-964600646 00260-977742342

Email: heyi63@163.com

Fax: 00260-211-293348