China to construct Chinese teaching school in Uganda

11-April-2012

The Chinese government is set to construct a modern multi million Chinese School in Uganda, the Chinese ambassador Zhao Ya Li disclosed on Tuesday.

The facility will be constructed at Luyanzi College located in Bweyogerere in Wakiso district.

“My government is going to fund the construction of modern Chinese teaching facility at Luyanzi College. So far the Chinese government has released $90,000 (Shs 230m) for this project school,” said Zhao.

Zhao who officially launched the teaching of the Chinese language, at the school on, the first of its kind in a Ugandan private school said the learning of Chinese language would promote good people and trade relations.

China that is currently a leading global business destination has made the learning of its language and culture paramount. Chinese is the latest foreign language to be introduced in Ugandan school syllabi.

Luyanzi College, formerly Progressive Senior Secondary School, one of the oldest private secondary schools, will be one of the first secondary school in the country to teach Chinese language and its culture.

“Following the discovery of oil and many investment opportunities, many Chinese firms and companies are coming to Uganda. Learning of Chinese will definitely open new windows for Ugandans in terms of employment opportunities,” he said.

He pointed out that the many Chinese investors coming into the region will need Chinese language speakers. So far there are over 200 Chinese firms in Uganda employing over 30,000 Ugandans.

Zhao said as Uganda celebrates 50 years of Independence, China will be celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations with Uganda. “Trade investments and people to people relationships are expanding every year, but with education, the foundation for modernization and development will be boosted further,” he said.

Kiira mayor Mamerito Mugerwa urged the ministry of Education to change the current curriculum to benefit Ugandans. “Chinese don’t speak English, but see how developed they are. They are a super power. It is a high time Ugandan curriculum is changed. The issue of learning about Napoleon Bonaparte is a waste of time,” said Mamerito.

He said it is very unfortunate for a child from study from nursery to University and come out with no skills at all.

The school’s headmaster, Jimmy Dhiyongera said the school will house a Chinese information and cultural center which will be open to the business community and public for information about one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

“The teaching of Chinese language is open to all members of public interested either during evenings or weekends,” he said.

The Chairman Uganda China friendship Association, Eng. Somma Ayub, said they had acquired 400 acres for construction of the facility that will include a Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary school, teaching hospital and polytechnic.

By Patrick Jaramogi: The New Vision Newspaper