Hanover Park teachers embark on an educational tour to China

In an exciting development for education in South Africa, four teachers from Norma Road Primary School in Hanover Park are embarking on an educational tour to China.

The teachers left on Saturday, June 14, for two weeks. The journey aims to immerse them in the culture of China while enhancing their understanding of the country’s education system.

This initiative is made possible through a partnership between South Africa and China, designed to implement Mandarin as a second additional language in local schools. The Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Town, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, has been at the forefront of this programme since its inception in 2017.

According to programme coordinator Qiling Ying: "The programme aims to help principals and educational officials in South Africa to learn more about China, encourage the growth of Chinese language programmes in their schools, and promote cooperation with their Chinese counterparts."

Among those participating in the tour is Faatimah Solomon, who said that the opportunity allows both pupils and teachers to explore beyond the confines of conventional classrooms.

"This educational tour made me realise how important it is to explore as much as possible. As a South African citizen and educator, I feel it is pivotal to expose our learners to cultural diversity on a broader scale, especially those who may never get to experience life outside their country due to socio-economic restraints," she said. 

Also joining the tour is Deputy Principal Fareda Etalla, who has observed the benefits of introducing Mandarin to young learners.

"Quite a few pupils are learning Mandarin easily, especially the younger ones. This programme is crucial as it opens up avenues for pupils that they never thought possible. Where children are learning to speak Mandarin, it exposes them to a different culture. The children are enjoying it thoroughly. These opportunities are beneficial for future generations. Global education for me is very important," she said.

The tour involves visits to various primary and high schools across China, where the teachers will engage in discussions with their Chinese counterparts and students, sharing insights and methodologies. This engagement is expected to yield valuable knowledge that can be implemented back home, strengthening educational frameworks and enriching the learning experience of South African students.