Uganda to introduce Chinese lessons in secondary schools
Uganda has unveiled plans for its citizens to start learn Chinese, in a move that highlights the Asian country’s growing influence in Africa.
Uganda’s government on Friday named 35 secondary schools selected to teach the Chinese language as one of the newest subjects on the secondary school syllabus.
The Ministry of Education’s National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC) selected the schools to benefit from the programme which is to rolled out next year.
Atleast 35 teacher trainers, who have been training in the Chinese language for the last nine months, have completed their course and will be posted to those various schools to spearhead the initial lessons.
CHINESE INFLUENCE
“We have received starting materials such as textbooks and illustrations. We have also received some tutors from the Chinese government and we are ready to take on the programme,” said Esther Mbayo, the Minister for Presidency.
And in a related development, Prof Eria Hisali from the College of Business and Management at Makerere University, who spoke on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, announced plans by the institution to introduce a bachelor’s degree in Chinese Language and Culture.
Backed by soft loans and the putting up of several infrastructure across the continent, including the Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway, China has steadily increased its influence in the continent in recent times.