Français 简体中文 About Us

 

 

Home | China Report | Africa Report | Business | Lifestyle | Services
The Chinese and African Dream
Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo expounded his understanding of the Chinese dream and its implication for Africa
Current Issue
Cover Story
Table of Contents
Through My Eyes

 

Subscribe Now
From the Editor
Letters
Newsmakers
Media Watch
Pros and Cons
China Report
Africa Report
Exclusives
Nation in Focus
News Roundup
Business
Business Briefs
Business Ease
China Econometer
Company Profile
Lifestyle
Double Take
Spotlight
Science and Technology
Services
Living in China
Fairs&Exhibitions
Learning Chinese
Universities
Measures and Regulations

 

 

 

Media Links
Beijing Review
China.org.cn
China Pictorial
China Today
People's Daily Online
Women of China
Xinhua News Agency
China Daily
China Radio International
CCTV
 
 
 
 
 

 

Universities

 

E-mail
Newsletter
  Mobile
News
  Subscribe
Now
 
VOL.4 February 2012
Shanghai Normal University

Zhang Minxuan, President of Shanghai Normal University (SHNU)

Since the launching of the "China-Africa Universities 20+20 Cooperation Plan" in June 2010, forty Chinese and African universities (twenty on each side) have cooperated and conducted exchanges in a wide range of areas. Zhang Minxuan, the president at one of the schools involved in the project, Shanghai Normal University (SHNU), spoke to ChinAfrica about its work with the University of Botswana (UB). Edited excerpts follow:

ChinAfrica: What programs have been launched between your school and UB under the "China-Africa Universities 20+20 Cooperation Plan"? How have they progressed?

Zhang Minxuan: We have conducted multi-faceted exchanges focused on cultural anthropological studies. There're mainly three areas:

First, African studies. In 2010, a UB professor came to teach economic history of Africa and Southern African history, and two doctoral students from our Center of African Studies went to UB for thesis material collection. This year we've held a conference on urbanization processes and urban culture in China.

Second, training of prospective teachers in Chinese language and mathematics science. With CI's support, UB launched its first Chinese undergraduate program this August. In addition, UB students majoring in mathematics education will be visiting our university.

Third, cultural exchange. We sent a martial art professor to teach during his visit to Botswana in the summer of 2010. December that year, we sent a student art troupe, and another troupe will be heading there soon. Also this year, a Chinese calligraphy professor is going to Botswana to teach.

What research is done at SHNU's Center of African Studies?

The Center is one of the earliest research institutions set up in China focused on Africa. Dedicated to the study of African economic development and Sino-African relations, it has become an influential teaching and research base. Our researchers do field surveys and collect live materials on visits to Africa. Integrating the past and present not only widens its research scope, but also helps address current issues more effectively.

The center is actively involved in Africa-related forums and events. It provided intellectual support at the Shanghai World Expo in 2010, informing the public of Africa's past and present via a variety of media. In cooperation with Shanghai Municipal Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Commission, it provided consulting services to Chinese enterprises.

What does UB's Confucius Institute do in Botswana? What is your next five-year plan?

Since July 2009, we have launched six sessions of Chinese language training with over 1000 students graduated. Based on the background of local learners, instructor Zhang Xin, with the help of others, has compiled two volumes of basic Chinese textbooks. The first volume has come out and the second is due 2012. Besides, we hold frequent cultural events such as "Confucius Institute Week", cultural lectures, and Chinese festival celebrations, as complementary activities to language courses.

In the next five years, we plan to set up three to four other Confucius classrooms in Botswana, establish a comprehensive Chinese language teaching system via the Internet, radio and television, and train more local Chinese language teachers. We also plan to make CIUB function as a center for Chinese studies, a training and testing center for Chinese language teachers, and a preparatory center for studying in China.

What role can Chinese universities play in strengthening Sino-African relations?

The cooperation between Chinese and African universities not only promotes academic exchanges, but has become an integral part of China's public diplomacy. It'll add to the sustainable development of Sino-African relations. Exchanges between Chinese and African universities will cultivate a new generation that understands both China and Africa. Growth and expansion in this area will play a bigger role on the world stage in the near future.

 

Introduction to SHNU

> Founded in 1954, SHNU is a comprehensive university based in Shanghai, with prominence in teacher training and particular strength in liberal arts. With 18 colleges, SHNU has over 40,000 students enrolled. Bachelor's degrees in 84 academic disciplines, master's degrees in 104 subjects, and doctoral degrees in 22 fields of study are offered. Six research institutions offer postdoctoral fellowships. SHNU set up its Center of African Studies in 1999, and established a Confucius Institute at UB in 2008. Since 1965, it has accepted international students sponsored by Chinese Government Scholarships, Confucius Institute Scholarships, and Shanghai Municipal Government Scholarships. Over 2,000 foreign students attend SHNU every year. Currently, 15 African students are studying at the university.

 

 

 

Cover Story
-Africa on China's Dream
-A Path to Health
-Making Their Mark
-Strengthening China-Africa Health Collaboration inThis New Era
 
The Latest Headlines
-South Africa Showcases Top Products in China
-UNDP: China and other developing countries should be given a bigger say in the global decision-making process
-Investing in Youth
-A Healthy Partnership

 

 

Useful Africa Links: Africa Investor | Africa Updates | AllAfrica | Africa Business | ChinaAfrica News | AfricaAsia Business | Irin News |
News From Africa | Africa Science | African Union | People of Africa | African Culture | Fahamu
| About Us | Rss Feeds | Contact Us | Advertising | Subscribe | Make ChinAfrica Your Homepage |
Copyright Chinafrica All right reserved 京ICP备08005356号