[EDLING:1199] Zimbabwe To Offer Chinese Language Classes To University Students

[Francis M Hult]

Via lg-policy...

> Zimbabwe Plans To Offer Chinese Language Classes To University Students
> By Ashenafi Abedje
> Washington, DC
> 26 January 2006
> 
> 
> There are plans to introduce Chinese language classes in all of Zimbabwes
> universities later this year. Higher Education Minister Stan Mudenge says
> this is part of an offensive by President Robert Mugabe to promote his
> "look east" policy. But the students are lashing out at the idea, saying
> it reflects what they call the "madness of the Mugabe regime scaling new
> heights." Critics dismiss Mr. Mugabe's "look east" policy as an empty
> political slogan that won't rescue Zimbabwe's collapsed economy.
> 
> Education professor Fred Zindi of the University of Zimbabwe told English
> to Africa reporter Ashenafi Abedje he maintains a neutral stand on the
> political merits or de-merits of the initiative. But he says, Knowledge
> for the sake of knowledge is good and useful at some point. Professor
> Zindi says China is the fourth largest economic power in the world. For
> that reason alone, he says, its worth doing business with a business giant
> especially for a country like Zimbabwe.
> 
> The Zimbabwean educator says his country is not the only one doing
> business with China. He points to recent visits to China by former German
> Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and
> President George Bush. Professor Zindi says as interaction with the
> Chinese continues, learning the language will become a useful tool. He
> says, If the Chinese are going to be an economic superpower, its easier to
> do business with them if you can speak their language.
> 
> http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2006-01-26-voa60.cfm