Confucius Institute at KNUST

The MoU Signing Ceremony of the Second Teaching Centre of the Confucius Institute at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology was held.

On July 4, 2024, the signing ceremony of the second Chinese Teaching Centre of the Confucius Institute at Nkrumah University of Science and Technology was successfully held at The Hilltop Platinum School. The signing ceremony was attended by the Chinese and Ghanaian Directors and Deputy Directors of the Confucius Institute, the Chinese teachers, all the school leaders and more than 100 teachers and students.

Ms Cecilia Agyei Amoako, founder of the Hilltop Platinum School, warmly welcomed Prof Su Zibo, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at KNUST and his party. She said; the school is honoured to be the second teaching site of the Confucius Institute and would fully support the Confucius Institute in carrying out Chinese teaching at the Hilltop Platinum School.

Chinese Director, Prof Su Zibo praised the strong support and efficient style of the Hilltop Platinum School. He pointed out that the Confucius Institute is a non-profit educational institution that aims to promote the international dissemination of Chinese, deepen the understanding of Chinese language and culture by people worldwide, and enhance academic and cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries. He said that after establishing the teaching point, the Confucius Institute will provide strong support in Chinese teaching, Chinese competitions and exchanges in China, and jointly create a broader development space for students.

Prof Daniel Duah, the Ghanaian director of C.I KNUST further pointed out that the Confucius Institute is not only committed to language learning and cultural exchanges, but also to comprehensively promote cooperation and exchanges between the two countries at a higher level and in a wider range of fields.
Furthermore, the two Institutions signed a cooperation agreement on the Chinese teaching point and took a group photo. The signing ceremony received attention and coverage from the authoritative media of the Ghanaian government, The Ghanaian Times and The Ghana News Agency.

It is reported that the Hilltop Platinum School has more than 1,200 students and was rated as a "Platinum" school in 2006 for its outstanding teaching quality. Students of the school have a strong desire to learn Chinese. The Confucius Institute once held open classes in the school with more than 600 participants.

The Confucius Institute at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kicked off Its Cultural Lecture Series
The Confucius Institute at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) launched its new cultural lecture series on June 20, 2024. The inaugural lecture, titled "My Life in China and Chinese Learning," was delivered by Mr. Noah Appiah Kubi.
Mr. Kubi, a graduate of University of Education, Winneba and a former teacher with eight years of experience in Ghanaian schools, currently serves as the CEO of Ofin Union Basic Elements Company, Limited. Having spent six years studying in China, Mr. Kubi is a passionate advocate for Chinese culture and possesses fluent Chinese language skills.
The lecture, held at the KNUST Basic School Teaching Site, drew over 300 attendees, including representatives from the Confucius Institute (both Chinese and foreign directors), teachers and students from the institute, and faculty and students from the Basic School.
Mr. Kubi's presentation highlighted the significance of the Chinese language. He emphasized that Chinese is not only the world's most widely spoken language and one of the six official languages of the United Nations but also a vital tool for communication and a bridge connecting some of the world's oldest civilizations.
He stressed that learning Chinese goes beyond mere language acquisition; it's a gateway to understanding the profound essence of Chinese culture. According to Mr. Kubi, fluency in Chinese unlocks a world of friendship, breathtaking landscapes, and delectable cuisine for learners.
Drawing on his experiences, Mr. Kubi showcased the numerous advantages and opportunities that China's rapid economic growth presents for those who learn Chinese. The lecture concluded with Mr Kubi sharing his tips for effective Chinese language learning, inspiring students and boosting their confidence in their studies.
The audience, captivated by Mr. Kubi's vivid portrayal of China, actively participated in the interactive session, demonstrating their strong interest in learning Chinese and gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. The first Confucius Institute cultural lecture at KNUST concluded successfully to resounding applause.

A HAPPY GET-TOGETHER FOR CHINESE LEARNING--A CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL CHINESE LANGUAGE DAY ORGANIZED BY CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE AT KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
On the morning of April 27th, the Confucius Institute at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) held a celebration for the 2024 International Chinese Language Day. Local teachers, students, and other Chinese language enthusiasts participated in this event. Focusing on the theme of “Chinese Language: Connecting Cultures through the Bridge of Mutual Learning”, this activity carried out activities including soft/hard pen calligraphy, Chinese Paper Cuttings, happy ping-pong, Baduanjin learning and Hulusi performance. In the calligraphy experience section, Chinese teachers guided students to learn the correct grip posture and taught them to write "和平友好" （” peace and friendship”） and "我爱中文" （”I love Chinese language”）. Students found Chinese characters very novel, but they were also very satisfied with their own works. In the Paper Cutting experience section, Chinese teachers showed how to cut out "喜" （"happiness”） and "囍"（double happiness）, flowers, chicken, pandas and other small animals. . Ping-pong was the most popular and students could not wait to try after seeing Chinese teachers demonstrate. Baduanjin (八段锦) and Hulusi (葫芦丝) were performed by local Chinese learners, achieving a mutually beneficial effect in teaching and learning. As the activity was about ending, teachers and students were reluctant to leave, showing off their newly learned Chinese words to each other, they said they would want to continue to participate in similar activities next time!
This was the first time for Confucius Institute at KNUST organized the "International Chinese Language Day". This event further stimulated the interest and enthusiasm of local teachers and students in learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture, enhanced the influence of the Confucius Institute, and paved the way for the subsequent enrollment and teaching from the Confucius Institute.

CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE KNUST AND KNUST BASIC SCHOOL DISCUSS ACTIVITIES FOR THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTER
Following the successful launch of the first Chinese Language Teaching Center by the Confucius Institute at KNUST (CI KNUST) at the Basic School, the leadership of the Institute held a meeting with the leadership of the Basic School on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the KNUST Basic School conference room.
The team from the CI KNUST was led by Prof Daniel Y. A. Duah, Ghanaian Director of the Institute, Dean of the International Programmes Office and Associate Professor of Architecture. It also included Prof Su Zibo, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute and Prof. Zhou Guiping, the Chinese Deputy Director of the Confucius Institute.
The team from the Basic School was led by Rev. Mrs Irene Nkansah, Head and included Emilia Nana Oye Woodiez, Deputy Head for Primary School; Eric Oti Attah, Deputy Head for Junior High School; Gifty Opoku, Deputy Head for Pre-School and Thompson Bright Yankyerah, Senior Administrative Assistant.
Professor Duah extended his appreciation to the team for their presence and outlined the twofold purpose of their visit. Firstly, to appreciate and conduct a brief assessment of the launch of the first Chinese Language Teaching Center at KNUST Basic School. Secondly, to discuss forthcoming activities for the year, focusing on the integration of the centre's initiatives into the Basic school's curriculum. He underscored the importance of this year's commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Confucius Institutes worldwide. Notably, he acknowledged KNUST's distinction as the third university in Ghana to inaugurate such an institute. The inauguration ceremony, presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof. Mrs. Akosua Dickson, took place on December 19, 2023, at the Great Hall. He elaborated that the Institute's creation arose from an agreement among KNUST, Hubei University of Automotive Technology, China and the Chinese International Education Foundation.
Prof Su emphasized that the successful inauguration of the Teaching Center was attributed to the close collaboration between the Confucius Institute, the Basic School, and the International Programmes Office as well as the support received from the Ashanti Regional Minister. He emphasized significant activities planned for the year, commencing with the Chinese Language Festival scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Regarding the Teaching of the Chinese language, Prof Su explained that they will commence teaching from the primary level but will also require students from Junior High School for their upcoming summer camp programme. Eligibility for the camp will be determined by passing the YCT2 Chinese test at level 3.
Prof. Guiping offered a brief overview of the key activities, while Prof Su expanded on the objective of establishing a Confucius Classroom within one year at the Basic School to support the growth of the activities at the Basic School.
Rev Mrs. Nkansah extended a warm welcome to the team and expressed gratitude for their presence and the launch. She announced the establishment of a Chinese Language Club for Junior High School students, encouraging those interested to join and embark on language learning, which will prepare them for the test. It was agreed that there would be integrating visits to the preschool for some activities for the learners.
Professor Duah highlighted the importance of exposing students to new languages and cultures, citing the transformative effect observed in KNUST students who participate in exchange programmes across the world. He stressed that embracing diversity broadens horizons, particularly among youth, who are the future generation.

The Confucius Institute at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) inaugurated its first Chinese Language Teaching Centre.
On the morning of 27th March, the Confucius Institute at Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) held a grand ceremony to establish the first Chinese language teaching centre in the auditorium of KNUST Basic School. Mrs Irene Nkansah, Headmistress of the Basic School, gave a welcome speech, thanking the Confucius Institute for setting up a teaching centre at the Basic School and inspiring the students to learn Chinese with the saying " The man who moves the mountain begins by carrying away small stones ".
The Special Guest, Hon. Simon Osei-Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, was invited to deliver a speech. He congratulated the Chinese and foreign directors of the Confucius Institute and the management for the speedy completion of the first Chinese language teaching centre, describing it as "heart-warming". He pointed out that young people are the future of the country. The establishment of the Chinese teaching centre will certainly help young people gain a better future. He said the Confucius Institute and its teaching centres will promote exchanges and cooperation between the schools, the region and even the two countries.
He assured that "that the doors of the Regional Co-ordinating Council will always be open to the activities and development of the Confucious Institute ". Su Zibo, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, expressed his heartfelt thanks to all parties, especially the Regional Minister, for their unfailing support. He said that the Confucius Institute will continue to carry out Chinese language teaching work in a solid manner, promoting understanding and cooperation between the two peoples, bridging and connecting “Ghanian and Chinese people lingually, culturally and even economically”. Subsequently, the two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation and the inauguration ceremony came to a successful conclusion. During the event, both sides arranged rich cultural and artistic performances.

On February 6, 2024, the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month, CI KNUST held the "Ambassador Scholarship" award ceremony and celebration of the Spring Festival at the Gardiner Conference Room, Great Hall. The Chinese and Ghanaian directors and deputy directors, Chinese language teachers, and more than 100 students participated in this event.
Prof. Su Zibo, the Chinese director, introduced the guests present and delivered the opening speech. He pointed out that the Confucius Institute provides a broad platform for students to learn Chinese, understand Chinese culture, and achieve high-quality employment. He congratulates the recipients of the Ambassador Scholarship and hopes that more students will join the Chinese language learning.
Prof. Daniel Duah, the Ghanaian director, welcomed the teachers and students present on behalf of KNUST and introduced the arduous efforts made by the school to establish the Confucius Institute. He believes that the establishment of it provides a new international cooperation platform for students, and hopes that everyone can work together to build a unique Confucius Institute in Ghana.

Chinese lecturer Prof. Min Zuchuan gave students a detailed introduction to the specific content of the Ambassador Scholarship, encouraging them to work hard to learn Chinese, actively strive for scholarships, and commend the award-winning students on site.
Chinese teacher Prof. Cai Xiaohui comprehensively introduced the customs and culture of the Chinese Spring Festival to the teachers and students present and set up a prize-winning Q&A to interact with the students present. At the event, Chinese deputy director Prof. Zhou Guiping, along with Cai Xiaohui and other teachers and students, sang Chinese songs and played Hulusi, a Chinese musical instrument, and held a lottery activity, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.

https://t.co/xdlTKdl7mr

Hubei University of Automotive Technology China (HUAT) and the Chinese International Education Fund have partnered with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to inaugurate a Confucius Institute. The International Programs Office, KNUST facilitated the inauguration of the institute, which will introduce Chinese courses and expand language education. Many notable guests attended the inauguration, including the provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of KNUST. Fostering international Chinese education and enhancing Ghanaian-Chinese relations are the goals of the Confucius Institute.