LUANSHYA, Zambia, May 15 (Xinhua) -- An academician on Wednesday commended the Zambian government over its decision to introduce Chinese language in schools, saying this will go a long way in easing communication barriers with Chinese nationals working in Zambia.
Last week, Ministry of Higher Education Permanent Secretary Mabvuto Sakala said Chinese language will effectively become examinable under the country's examination governing body starting next year.
The academician said an agreement on the Chinese language curriculum to be entered into between the Confucius Institute and the Minister of General Education would officially flag off the implementation of Chinese language training at secondary school level.
Kelvin Kaunda, Eden University chief executive officer said plans by the government to introduce Chinese language should be commended, as language was key between the two peoples for easy communication.
"It is very progressive especially that Zambia has a historical relationship with China," Kaunda said.
"China is our all-weather friend. We have a lot of Zambians who are in China and they know the Chinese language, they can come back and teach Chinese language in Zambian schools," he added.
Mary Kangwa, a teacher based in Luanshya town in the Copperbelt Province said teaching Chinese language would be very exciting and further strength relationships between Zambia and China.
"Apart from that, teaching Chinese language will also increase trade volumes between Zambia and China, so I don't see anything wrong with that," she said.
She added that China was the first Asian country to come to Zambia's aid to construct Tanzania-Zambia Railway to open a route to the eastern African states and beyond.
