A language laboratory for learning Chinese has opened at an Orsha school with funds from the Chinese government

Soon, Orsha may become one of the centers for studying the Chinese language. This was stated by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Belarus, Cui Qimin. With his participation, a modern language laboratory was opened at Secondary School No. 16. This gift from the PRC government is a sign of high appreciation for the work being done in this educational institution and in the city as a whole to study and popularize the Chinese language and culture.

– More than 200 young residents of Orsha are currently studying Chinese as an elective, – emphasized the Chairman of the Orsha District Executive Committee, Nikolai Lisovsky, in his welcoming speech. – Secondary School No. 16 is one of the institutions where, with the support of the Confucius Institute at Belarusian State University, an important strategic direction – cooperation with China – is being implemented. For the further development of cultural, educational, and trade and economic relations with a friendly country, it is necessary to train specialists proficient in Chinese. Today's meeting is another step in building relationships based on friendship and mutual interest.

Mr. Cui Qimin expressed gratitude to the district leadership for their commitment to active cooperation with China in both education and the economy.

– I am glad that you are implementing large investment projects and have an interest in Chinese culture, traditions, and language. In this way, we are building bridges of friendship between peoples, – noted the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Belarus. – There are comprehensive agreements between the cities of Orsha and Shishou.

Cui Qimin emphasized that he sees sincere interest and concrete results from Orsha schoolchildren in learning the Chinese language. Therefore, the next gift will be a series of educational computer programs. It is also important that in the PRC, based at three universities, Chinese youth already have the opportunity to study the Belarusian language.

–I, for my part, will facilitate the establishment of close ties between Belarusian and Chinese schools, – added the distinguished guest, – so that our children can understand each other from an early age.

Since 2014, volunteers from the PRC have been working at Secondary School No. 16, as well as in two other educational institutions in the city, teaching Chinese on an elective basis. Currently, training and retraining of our own linguist teachers is underway. The language laboratory, including furniture and equipment, is designed for 14 people.

Olga LEBEDEVA, "Vitebskiye Vesti". Photos by the author.