UB Establishes the Confucius Institute
The Confucious Institute, a collaborative effort between University of Botswana and Shanghai Normal University, China, was established on November 24, 2008 at a colorful ceremony held at UB. The centre marks the beginning of a joint commitment between the two universities to the teachings of the Chinese language and culture at UB. The name emanates from Chinese philosopher, Confucius who developed a system of philosophical and ethical teachings so named after him.
The ceremony was graced by, among others, a delegation from the Shanghai Normal University led by their Vice President Professor Lu Jianfei. The Acting Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Ms Wu Jihong, presented a plague to UB’s Vice Chancellor Professor Bojosi Otlhogile, thereby marking the beginning of the collaboration between the two universities.
Speaking at the function, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Professor Frank Youngman said the ceremony was of great
significance as it demonstrated UB’s commitment to its strategic priority of international engagement. He further explained
how the idea for the Confucius Institute at UB was born out of the November 2006 approval of the Policy on Internationalization by the
University Council. The Policy states a commitment to develop strategic partnerships with higher education institutions in
selected major Asian countries, including China.
Pursuant to this decision, discussions were held with the Chinese Embassy on academic co-operation, within the context of
expanded bilateral cooperation between China and Botswana and the wider framework of the Forum on China-Africa Co-
operation, and SHNU subsequently identified as UB’s strategic partner for the collaboration, the Deputy Vice Chancellor explained.
The Confucius Institute Programme at UB will be housed in the Faculty of Humanities and will undertake the following primary activities:
- Chinese language courses within UB degree programmes
- Continuing Education courses in Chinese language and culture for the general public
- Intensive Chinese language training courses for specific groups, such as the civil service and the private sector
- Occasional public lectures and events related to Chinese culture and society.
Other modes of co-operation between UB and Shanghai Normal University will include student and staff exchange related to language acquisition and to Chinese Studies and African Studies.
Dr Nobantu Rasebotsa, former Dean of the Faculty of Humanities has been appointed Programme Director for a term of two years from July 1st, 2008, with the responsibility to develop and administer the programme, manage the Institute’s budget and promote its activities. An elated Dr Rasebotsa said the opening of the Institute indeed marks the breaking down of the language barrier between the people of Botswana and China, and that ”the Confuscious Institute will further offer reciprocity between Chinese studies and African studies”.
The relationship between China and Botswana is of strategic significance and it is important to deepen the level of information and inter-cultural understanding between the two countries. This new initiative of the University of Botswana with the Shanghai Normal University and the Office of Chinese Language Council International is a significant step forward in enhancing academic, cultural and economic exchange. It also advances the University’s strategic goal of internationalization through providing opportunities for staff and student exchange, research collaboration, and new language and cultural dimensions in the curriculum.
The Institute will be officially launched towards the last quarter of 2009 at which time the President of SHNU is expected to attend and the Confucius Institute plaque officially unveiled.