Confucius Institute at University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) on Wednesday, 23rd April, 2019, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with West End University College (WEUC), Ngleshie Amanfro, Accra to formally open a new Chinese learning class room.
The two directors of the Institute, Prof Ishmael Mensah (Ghana Director), Prof Hu Liangcai (China Director); Mr. Judith Owusu Peprah (Principal Administrative Assistant) were at West End University College for the event. The event also attracted scores of students from West End University College, as well as management and staff of the University College.
In a speech before the signing of the MOU, Prof Hu, the China Director, introduced the Confucius Institute to the gathering, and briefly explained the origin of the name “Confucius”. He stated that there are Confucius Institutes in many countries. These countries derive a lot of benefits for hosting the Institute including scholarships for students. He also informed that in order to obtain a scholarship, the HSK Test is very important. He therefore urged students to take the Chinese lessons serious, and pass the HSK in order to obtain full scholarships to study in China. He promised that soon, lecturers will be sent to West End University College to start the Chinese classes. He also urged them to inform their families and friends about the Chinese language programme so that they could also benefit from it.
Prof Ishmael Mensah, the Ghana Director, reiterated what Prof Hu had said earlier. He threw more light on the benefits associated with studying the Chinese language; including job and scholarship opportunities. He said there are over hundred registered Chinese companies in Ghana, and that Chinese employers preferred to hire people who were proficient in the Chinese language. He also said that CIUCC will provide teaching and learning materials for the commencement of the Chinese language teaching programme at West End University College.
The Chancellor of West End University College, Mr. Joe Adjekum, recounted how he got in touch with CIUCC to establish the relationship between the two institutions. According to the MOU, West End University College will provide classroom space and accommodation for the Chinese language lecturers among other pertinent things. He said he and his team would work hard to make sure another Chinese language center is established at their Ngleshie Amanfro Campus in Accra.
Finally, the MOU was signed in the presence of the students, lecturers and administrative staffs of West End University College, by the two CIUCC Directors, the Rector and Registrar of West End University College, at 12:30am after which the programme was brought to a close.