The department of Modern Languages has played host to volunteers from the Republic of China. This marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between the Government of Ghana and the Chinese Government is to help spread the Chinese Language and Culture in Ghana. Six volunteers came from China to KNUST at a time when the department was considering the introduction of a Bachelor of Arts degree programme in the Chinese language and culture. They used the opportunity to test the ground to see how the programme would be patronized by students and the general public. In all about two hundred students took part in the learning of the Chinese language. Most lecturers’ and other workers of the KNUST community also took part in the learning.

In an interview, the head of the department of modern languages, D. Pimpong,   made it known that the programme had successfully completed two semesters and was happy that the students took it serious and even at the time of examinations conducted by the instructors, which was both oral and written, the students participated with all seriousness, and the result very impressive.

He said students should be encouraged and in doing so an attestation could be given to those who complete the programme. Also he was of the view that students who take part in the next session should be made to pay commitment fees.

Dr Marfo, who is also a lecturer at the department, expressed his profound excitement at the performance of the students and the community as a whole. He said China is gradually becoming a super power and therefore giving attention to their language is very important, so people should not despise it but deem it as an important language and culture that can take them to places.

The volunteers paid a farewell courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor Prof. K .K. Adarkwa,to express their gratitude and appreciation for  the hospitality and courtesies extended to them.

The Vice Chancellor hoped that the volunteers would raise the image of the University in their country. He told the volunteers that in their next session they should allow people outside the University to also benefit at a cost. He thanked the volunteers on behalf of the University for the Services they rendered whilst on campus and hoped that the relationship established will develop and go a long way to help both countries. They have since left the country.