Ninety students on 6 July received certificates on Chinese language after undergoing three-month intensive lectures on the basic and intermediate courses of the language.
Organised and sponsored by the Taiwanese Embassy to The Gambia through Ambassador Samuel Chen, the occasion marked the third graduation ceremony since the inception of the Chinese language studies in The Gambia.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Bahai National Centre in Bakau, brought together delegates from the Taiwanese Embassy, students and representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, among other institutions.
In his congratulatory remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of China (on Taiwan) His Excellency Samuel Chen, congratulated the graduands for their hard work and commitment to the course.
In reviewing the significance of the language, Ambassador Chen says it is of great value for them to experience another international language.
Mr Chen, however, revealed that it is not enough for someone to base on one international language, while describing the world now as been a global village.
“It is convenient if we can speak many global languages, which helps us in both our different walks of life and ease our inter-communications,” Ambassador Chen points out.
Mr Chen advised the graduands to keep practising and speaking the language among them, saying the orientation process of the language was difficult to them as new learners of the language compared to other western languages.
“Chinese culture has been in existence for over five thousand years. With this language they will have the key to open and access the Chinese culture, which includes the art, music, fine art, religion, sports and drama among others,” he says.
“This world needs more exchange of cultures to keep harmonious communities in the world.”
Momodou Jallow, member of the Senior Management Team at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, thanked the ambassador for his tireless efforts and love for The Gambia and her people.
Mr Jallow also applauded the graduands for taking advantage of the opportunity granted them, appealing to them to fully utilize the knowledge gained.
In their vote of thanks, Aisha Gaye of the basic class and Maimuna Jawara of the intermediate class both thanked Ambassador Chen and the Taiwan Embassy for their support and love for them and for helping them to learn a new and veritable language.
