On the 21st of June, the
Confucius Institute joined the Foreign Language Day at Grace Children School,
Gbadaga. The school celebrated the importance of Foreign Languages such as
Chinese, French and English in the modern century. Grace schools which consist
of creche, children school and high school is the first teaching site for the
Confucius Institute in Lagos. Over the years, it has actively promoted the
teaching of Chinese Language, culture and civilization amongst its pupils.
The Chinese Director, Prof.
Zhao Hongling who joined the celebration lectured the student on the importance
of learning a foreign language like Chinese in our society today. He asserted that
China and Nigeria are developmental partners and all over Nigeria one can see
Chinese firms assisting in the developmental process of the country. Secondly,
he educated the students on the numerous opportunities that await them after
their studying of Chinese Language at the High School.
They have opportunities of
scholarships to study in China top universities under the guidance of the
Confucius Institute. Thirdly, he debunked the claim of many students that feel
that Chinese is difficult to study. He encouraged the mastering of the four
Chinese tones effectively to guide in their pronunciation and communicative
skills. Prof Zhao took a tour of the school and was impressed by the first
class facilities the school had. Likewise, he was impressed with its charming
students who took every opportunity to show off their Chinese skills and
knowledge.
Prof Zhao discusses countries
with the students on the world map.
The Headmistress of Grace
Children School, Dr. Mrs Nike Akindayo informed the audience that the students
at the school begin to learn a foreign language from a very early age, nursery
two. She asserted that the world is a global village and the importance of a
foreign language cannot be overemphasized. She opined that learning a foreign
language like Chinese or French will give the students access to information,
better opportunities in life, improved communication skill and then make them
global citizens. The school administrator, Mrs. Olatokunbo Edun states that
Grace schools has the mandate of a commitment to quality education of their
students which will influence them to become global scholars. She stated that
Grace schools was the pioneer of Chinese Language teaching in Lagos, Nigeria
through the support of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos. She
implored and encouraged her students to take the study of Chinese seriously as
it would plunge them to greater heights in their careers and life adventures.
The foreign language day
celebration was filled with the students display of Chinese history, culture,
philosophy and knowledge. The students thrilled the audience with their skills
and performance
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