A crash course in Chinese opens up prospects

DAR ES SALAAM－After visiting the Confucius Institute pavilion at the ongoing 46th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, Lewis Kabuta is convinced that he must learn Chinese.

The 14-year-old student, who went to the trade fair in Tanzania's commercial capital on July 4, believes learning the language will guarantee a good career.

"I consulted officials at the Confucius Institute pavilion, under the University of Dar es Salaam, and realized that knowing the language can help me get a job with Chinese companies in Tanzania," he says.

Lewis is among the 100-plus visitors to the Confucius Institute pavilion who have shown keen interest in learning the language during the first week of the trade fair, which will continue until Wednesday.

Telesphory Milambo, administrative officer of the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam, says students, as well as workers from various Tanzanian public and private companies, want to join the language classes.

"Many people are flocking to our pavilion, wishing to learn Chinese, because they know it will open up good employment avenues. The Confucius Institute at the university can help them master the language and realize their goals," he says.

Milambo says the young working class is the largest group interested in learning the language.

"In fact, several Chinese companies are approaching us, asking for Tanzanian workers who know how to speak Chinese," he says.

Milambo adds that employees of public and private companies are provided a crash course in the language during evening hours, so that their normal work schedule is not interrupted.

William Anangisye, the vice-chancellor of the university, says there are about 10,000 Chinese people in Tanzania, and at least 500 small and large enterprises managed by the Chinese.

The university is also offering a Bachelor of Arts with Education (Chinese and English) degree to students who can later teach Chinese in primary and secondary schools across Tanzania.

The Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam was established in 2013, and its main objectives are to meet Tanzanian people's growing need of understanding Chinese language, culture, technology and skills and to increase mutual understanding between Chinese and Tanzanian peoples, according to a leaflet made available at the pavilion.

In addition, the school stimulates research on various aspects of Sino-Tanzanian relations.

It is also linking university students and Chinese companies in Tanzania by recommending talented candidates to companies and finding job opportunities for the graduates.