Friday 9 September 2022 was an eventful day at the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University. Coming to Makhanda as part of their participation to the National Science Festival, learners from Nathaniel Pumla High School in Peddie took the opportunity to visit the Confucius Institute as well as the School of Languages and Literatures, following the invitation sent to the school by Prof Liu Dexue and Prof Patrice Mwepu, who are both Directors of the Institute. There were 103 learners accompanied by three teachers.
In his speech, Professor Patrice Mwepu welcomed the learners, while teaching them a few words of the Chinese language. He expressed to them the hope that one day they complete their high school and begin their university studies.
Regarding the curriculum choice, Prof Mwepu introduced learners to the possibilities that Rhodes University offers. He gave them a tour of the School of Languages and Literatures Building before leaving them in the hands of the Chinese language lecturers, Ms Zou Hongmin and Zou Hanyang, who showed them a film on Chinese culture. Before returning home to Peddie, the Confucius Institute offered them a light meal. The transport was organised and paid for by the Confucius Institute and the Community Engagement Office.
Professor Schadrack Nsengiyumva and Dr Stanley Kuja, all from the Department of Physics, also contributed to the success of this visit.
