Kenyatta University has received a donation of 300 books from China Education Publishing and Media Group Limited (CEPMG) to support Chinese language learning, academic research, and cultural exchange. The donation was made during the launch of the CEPMG Bookshelf Project at the university's Confucius Institute on September 23. The books include Chinese language textbooks and books on culture, humanities, social sciences, and technological innovation.
The partnership between CEPMG and Kenyatta University aims to strengthen cooperation in education, publishing, and research. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the two parties to explore joint textbook development, translation, publishing initiatives, and educational research. The university will also work with CEPMG to periodically update the collection based on students' demand and use of the resources.
Professor Lucy Maina, representing Vice Chancellor Professor John Okumu, said the books had been carefully selected through collaboration between CEPMG and the Confucius Institute. The selection was based on the university's academic programs and the learning needs of its students. Maina emphasized that the partnership would extend beyond the initial donation, providing students and faculty with access to quality academic resources.
The books will be available through the Confucius Institute library and will support students preparing for the HSK Chinese language proficiency examinations. Professor Leonard Chacha, Director of the Confucius Institute, described the occasion as historic, saying it brought together academia, culture, and international friendship. He emphasized the importance of books as tools for empowerment and understanding between cultures.
Chief University Librarian Samuel Muthami said the books would add new resources to the university library, serving as an injection of new nutrients. He emphasized that the partnership with CEPMG was a boost to the university's library and publishing resources. The donation will not only increase the number of books in the library but also help build a useful resource center.
CEPMG Deputy General Manager Song Yidong said the organization was focused on cultural exchange and strengthening Chinese language teaching. He emphasized that the partnership would provide a starting point for further cooperation with the Confucius Institute, including teacher training and the development of vocational education courses. Wang Weiquan, Editor-in-Chief of Higher Education Press, said the unveiling of the bookshelf was a practical step towards strengthening people-to-people relations and cultural exchange between Africa and China.
The Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University was established in 2010 and has since expanded its Chinese language teaching and learning programs. The growth of the programs will give more young people an opportunity to learn Chinese and explore opportunities to study in China. The university's Registrar Academic said a bachelor's program is also in the initial stages of implementation.
Key points
- Kenyatta University receives 300 books from China Education Publishing and Media Group Limited to support Chinese language learning and academic research.
- The partnership aims to strengthen cooperation in education, publishing, and research between CEPMG and Kenyatta University.
- The books will support students preparing for the HSK Chinese language proficiency examinations and add new resources to the university library.
