–lives have been enriched, deeper appreciation for Chinese culture achieved, PM Phillip says
–Bachelor’s programme in Mandarin to be introduced, new building to be constructed at UG’s Turkeyen Campus

EMPHASISNG that remarkable strides have been made over the last ten years, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips has said that the Confucius Institute, University of Guyana (CIUG), has enriched the lives of many, and paved the way for a deeper appreciation for the Chinese culture.

PM Phillips made these remarks on Sunday at the CIUG’s 10th Anniversary celebration held at the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT), University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.

During his remarks, he highlighted that this milestone of the CIUG speaks volumes to the commitment of the University of Guyana, and its partners, who established the institute here a decade ago.

He said that it is through their collective efforts that we see, 10 years later, the benefits of education, cultural exchange, and the fostering of mutual understanding between China and Guyana.

“We’ve heard before, worldwide, that the Confucius Institute has created a vast presence through language courses, proficiency exams, and resources for learners of all ages, helping thousands gain proficiency, and enhance their global communications skills. Operating in over 160 countries, it creates a vast network of educational and cultural experiences, connecting diverse people, and promoting peace and co-operation through collective efforts,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

He stated further, “Certainly, the Confucius Institute at the University of Guyana has made remarkable strides since its inception, and today we celebrate a decade of its outstanding contributions in Guyana. Including enriching the lives of many, fostering a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture, and strengthening the bonds between our peoples.”

Prime Minister Phillips added that this bond between China and Guyana was not started 10 years ago, but 171 years ago, when the first ship with some 262 Chinese immigrants arrived in Guyana.

He said that for the past 52 years, Guyana has been proud to have participated in and mutually benefited from economic, cultural and diplomatic, political exchanges with China.

He used the opportunity to commend the institute for taking up the mantle in ensuring Guyanese are equipped with tools to access the wider world.

The Confucius Institute is a joint venture between UG, Dalian University of Foreign Languages (DUFL) and Hanban. The agreement to establish the institute here was signed in March 2013, and the Institute was officially launched on May 19, 2014.

Thus far, the CIUG has enrolled 4,363 students studying mandarin.

Meanwhile, Guyanese Director of CIUG, Al Creighton said that the institute’s most significant achievement is the offering of credit courses to students at the university.

He noted that the CIUG not only offers mandarin classes to Guyanese, but mandarin courses for students studying several disciplines at the university.

Furthermore, it was stated that the institute is expected to introduce a Bachelor’s of Arts (BA) programme in Mandarin Chinese Studies in the future, as well as the expansion of their space and infrastructure to facilitate a new building at the university’s Turkeyen Campus to host the CIUG.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, in her brief remarks said that the work of places like the CIUG is not only important for cultural exchanges and forming bridges, but it becomes an important business advantage, a business tool and way for us to navigate life’s complex spaces.

Professor Mohamed Martin said: “In fact, other than Spanish, Mandarin has been the subject that has the highest demand in the University within the last seven or eight years. All of our business students in School of Business are required to take a foreign language and they are opting for Mandarin. That is of course until last August when they started opting for Spanish for obvious reasons.”

The Vice-Chancellor remarked that the future expansion of the CIUG will facilitate the number of students enrolled at the institute.

She pointed out that at present, the room which houses the CIUG can only facilitate 20 students at a time.

Professor Mohamed noted that the new building will have a lecture theatre to further teach students and host exhibitions to bring awareness to the history of our people, and for students to have meaningful discussions in that space.

Also present at the anniversary celebration were Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities Dr. Rosalin Khan; Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan; and Chinese Director of CIUG Dr. Geo Zhiyan.