The Confucius Institute of the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) in collaboration with the University of Cape Coast has organised a programme to celebrate ‘Confucius Institute Day and the Third Anniversary’ of its establishment in the University.
The programme which showcased the unique Chinese culture was under the theme: “Celebrating Ghana-China relationship through cultural performances.”
Significant Achievements of CIUCC
In his welcome address, the Ghana Director, CIUCC, Prof. Ishmael Mensah, indicated that though three years in the life any organisation could be described as too short for any elaborate celebration, however, for the CIUCC’s, first three years have been characterised by significant accomplishments which could not be glossed over. He added that the commemoration of the third anniversary would help CIUCC to reflect on its successes and challenges in order to chart a new path for future development.
Speaking on the theme for the celebration, Prof. Ishmael noted that “culture is a catalyst for the promotion of international peace friendship and understanding.” He explained that “Confucius Institutes all over the world have served as the medium to for the execution of Chinese cultural diplomacy and CIUCC has undoubtedly helped to strengthen China-Ghana relations through language and cultural education as well as the staging of cultural events such as the Dragon Boat Festival, Spring Festival, Belts and Road Arts Exhibition, San Hyun Cultural Performances and Tai Chi Competitions.” The Ghana Director also recounted that the CIUCC, for the past three years has undertaken over fifty (50) cultural events and organised Students’ Summer Camp According to him, a delegation of Education Officials was sent to China every year to provide first-hand enlightening educational and cultural experiences for students officials.
CIUCC’s Centres
Prof. Mensah noted that CIUCC now has fourteen (14) training centres with three of them namely, University Primary School, University Practice Senior High School (UPSHS), and Penuel International School approved as the Confucius Classrooms. “This semester, we are commencing the BA (Chinese) programme which we see as an icing on the cake of our achievements as it will further boost Chinese language education in the country,” he said. One thing he said worth mentioning was that CIUCC did not merely seek the interest of China, but provided opportunities for the youth in the areas of scholarship and employment.
Prof. Mensah was hopeful that CIUCC would continue to make significant strides in the true spirit of China-Ghana cooperation and for their common good.
Economic Benefits of Ghana-China Relationship
The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Kwamena Duncan, commended the University Management for accepting Confucius Institute as a way of deepening the China-Ghana relationship and the unfolding opportunities in education, culture, and language. He also congratulated CIUCC for its immense contributions and achievements in just three years of its establishment in UCC, and Ghana as a whole.
Acknowledging the fast economic growth of China, Hon. Duncan advised students to develop an interest to study the Chinese Language and culture in order to tap into the available opportunities that the Chinese economy has to offer the globe. The Central Regional Minister appealed to Ghanaians to be circumspect and disciplined in their dealings and discharging.
UCC-Hunan City University Cooperation
A representative of the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Ms. Lou Danzhu, thanked UCC for keeping its cooperation with Hunan City University, Hanban, to establish the second Confucius Institute in Ghana. She said, “Confucius Institute at UCC for the past three years has kept to its mission by constantly improving the teaching environment, optimising the curriculum system, enriching the cultural activities, and improving the quality of teaching. It has also made remarkable achievements in subject construction, Chinese language promotion, talent training, social services, cultural exchanges, and other aspects.” Ms. Danzhu commended CIUCC for the unrelenting efforts to make more Ghanaians learn the Chinese language and Chinese culture. “This is promoting positive contributions to cultural exchanges, people-to-people exchanges, and the inheriting China-Ghana traditional friendships,” she noted.
CIUCC Link China to Ghana
Ms. Danzhu also charged CIUCC to become a bridge of language, culture, communication, and soul between China, Ghana and other countries. She assured, “It is hoped that the Confucius Institute at UCC, will stick to its mission and constantly improve the quality and level of teaching, and make new and greater contributions to telling stories about China, deepening China-Ghana relations and building a community of shared future for mankind.”
Appreciation to Past Vice-Chancellors and Directors
The Vice-Chancellor, UCC, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah commended the two Directors for the progress they have made over the years and their effort to push the right agenda of the University and CIUCC. He also expressed gratitude to the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kupoole and former Ghana Director, Prof. Kwadwo Opoku-Agyemang, for the good foundation they established to make CIUCC a robust Institute.
He encouraged students to enrol in CIUCC courses in order to take advantage of any available opportunities and prospects. Acknowledging the progress of CIUCC, Prof. Ghartey Ampiah advised students to use opportunities readily accessible to learn from each other for the benefits of globalization. “The University Management will continue to cooperate and give all the needed support that CIUCC would need to carry its operations,” he remarked.
The China Director, CIUCC, Prof. Hu Lingcai expressed sincere appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, UCC, former Vice-Chancellors, UCC (since 2007), former Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, the Central Regional Minister, the former Provost, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, who is the current Pro Vice-Chancellor, UCC, and the former Dean, Centre for International Education, for their distinctive support to the Institute during its three years of operation. He also expressed profound gratitude to the former Ghana Director, CICC, and the former Dean, Faculty of Arts for their tremendous effort towards the achievements and successes of the Institute.
The China Director, of CIUCC, also acknowledged the Hon. Kwamena Duncan for recognising and awarding the two Directors for their contribution to language and cultural education in the country.
Attendance
The Vice-Chancellor, Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), Prof. J. D. Owusu-Sekyere, Dean, Faculty of Arts, UCC, Secretary of the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Hou Rui, China Director, Confucius Institute, University of Ghana (UG), Prof. Chu2 Bei4 Juan l, and Ghana Director, Confucius Institute, UG, Dr. Josephine Quarshie. Others were the Chinese Coordinator, CCTU, Mrs. Cynthia Derx Techie, Headmistress, University Primary School, Mrs. Georgina Aglobetse, Headmaster, University Primary School North Campus, Mr. Victor Fiifi Addison, representatives from Takoradi Technical University as well as Heads of Schools and Managers of Companies were present.
Among the schools that attended and participated in the celebration included the CCTU, University Practice Senior High School (UPSHS), Mfantsipim School, Penuel International School, Kasoa, University Primary School (South Campus), University Primary School (North Campus), and West End International School, Kasoa.