JUBA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The University of Juba in South Sudan on Thursday launched a free Chinese language course for 124 students and university staff members to strengthen educational cooperation and cultural exchanges between China and South Sudan.
Organized with support from the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan, the inaugural program attracted 88 students and 36 staff members from the University of Juba, Upper Nile University, and Stafford University.
Isaac Cleto Rial, deputy vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Juba, thanked the Chinese embassy for its continued support for education in South Sudan, including scholarship opportunities for local students.
"We sincerely appreciate the Chinese embassy for investing in our people and helping build bridges of friendship between our two countries," Rial said.
He noted that acquiring Chinese language skills could open up new academic and professional opportunities for participants. He encouraged them to attend classes punctually, study diligently and strive for academic excellence.
Rial also expressed interest in joining a future cohort, emphasizing that learning is a lifelong pursuit.
He urged participants to practice regularly and make the most of the tuition-free opportunity, saying the initiative reflects the Chinese embassy's continued commitment to educational cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
He also highlighted other collaborative initiatives, including an embassy-sponsored football match and support for students with disabilities.
Following the opening ceremony, Chinese language tutor Zhang Zheng conducted the first lesson, introducing participants to the basics of Chinese and officially launching the course.
Zhang said language learning promotes deeper cross-cultural understanding and creates opportunities for bilateral exchanges.
"Language is a bridge connecting people, cultures and ideas. Learning Chinese can broaden horizons and create new opportunities," Zhang said.
As China and South Sudan continue to expand bilateral exchanges across various sectors, the program is expected to promote mutual understanding and strengthen friendship between the two peoples, officials said. ■
