“The Chinese Language should be introduced as an additional language subject in Namibia alongside other foreign and European language subjects such as German, Portuguese and French,” said Deputy Director in the Ministry of Education, Khomas Region, Angeline Steenkamp, who visited Beijing with seven other Namibian education officials.
“The introduction of the Chinese Language should be started at schools that are located in close proximity to the existing campuses of the University of Namibia (UNAM),” she said.
During her visit to China, Steenkamp learnt that teaching and learning materials for Mandarin is fairly low and affordable.
“Approximately 12 Namibia dollars (0.8 U.S. dollars) for material, given that the State is directly responsible for the production of textbooks, and parents can afford to buy a textbook for each grade every year for their children,” she added.
Steenkamp was impressed by the high level of commitment to duty portrayed by the Chinese at institutions they visited in China.
“Learner and teacher discipline is one of the aspects that makes the teaching and learning process a success, and which leaves room for positive educational output,” she said.
Meanwhile, to further the foot print of Mandarin in Namibia and make it an easier journey, Steenkamp said, volunteer teachers of the Chinese Language attached to the Confucius Institute at the University of Namibia can then teach the language both at UNAM as well as at the local public schools. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
