The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) proudly welcomed Professor Gao Yingze and three teaching volunteers from China to inaugurate the Confucius Institute at BIUST (CIBIUST). This event marks a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.
In October of the previous year, Professor Zhao Dingxuan, President of Yanshan University, and his delegation traveled from China to launch CIBIUST. Today, we celebrate the arrival of Professor Gao as the founding Chinese Director of CIBIUST.
When welcoming the Chinese delegation at his office during a courtesy call, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo, Vice Chancellor of BIUST, expressed his gratitude towards the Chinese for coming to set up at BIUST. He noted that he looks forward to working with them and emphasized the importance of cultural and language exchanges between the two institutions. Professor Totolo highlighted the significant presence of Chinese businesses in Botswana, particularly in construction and trade, and stressed the need to equip BIUST students with the necessary skills to engage effectively with Chinese counterparts. He also shared his positive experiences during his visit to China, underscoring the value of shared resources between the two universities.
During his welcome remarks, Professor Elisha Shemang, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Teaching and Learning, highlighted BIUST’s mission to transform Botswana from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy. He emphasized the importance of producing well-rounded, world-class graduates equipped with both technical and soft skills.
Professor Shemang noted that BIUST, a young university established just over a decade ago, has undergone significant restructuring. The university now comprises five schools: the School of Pure and Applied Sciences, the School of Life Sciences, the School of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, the School of Earth Sciences & Engineering, and the School of Business and Professional Development, under which CIBIUST falls.
A key component of BIUST’s mission is to integrate 15% of the curriculum with soft skills, including business management, entrepreneurship, technical communication, and social sciences. The Chinese Unit under the Department of Academic Literacy and Social Sciences plays a crucial role in teaching Chinese Language and Culture, an effort that has been enhanced by the arrival of the CIBIUST team. Professor Shemang expressed gratitude to Yanshan University for their collaboration in establishing the Confucius Institute, which aims to address the shortage of Chinese language teachers exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professor Gao Yingze, in his speech, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and the preparations made for their arrival. He emphasized the significance of CIBIUST as the second Confucius Institute of Yanshan University and in Botswana. He highlighted the mutual benefits of this collaboration, stating that learning Chinese is not only about language but also about culture. Professor Gao also expressed his interest in learning Setswana and praised the linguistic diversity of Botswana.
Mr. Moremi, a Teaching Instructor in the Department of Academic Literacy and Social Sciences, extended a vote of thanks, acknowledging the support of the DVC T&L, the Dean of SB&PD, and the Head of ALSS. He appreciated the organizing committee for their exceptional efforts in arranging the welcome ceremony and expressed his delight in welcoming the CIBIUST staff to the BIUST family.
The establishment of CIBIUST is expected to enhance the employability of BIUST graduates in Chinese engineering companies operating in Botswana. The additional staff will also enable the university to offer Chinese courses to a larger number of students and the public, thereby promoting socio-economic, educational, and business cooperation between Botswana and China.
As BIUST celebrates nearly a decade of teaching Chinese Language and Culture, the arrival of CIBIUST staff marks the beginning of a new chapter in the university’s journey. The partnership between BIUST and Yanshan University will undoubtedly pave the way for deeper exchanges, mutual learning, and sustainable development of the Confucius Institute.
