The China-Africa-UNESCO Dialogue on Education and Cultural Heritage Cooperation was recently held in Beijing, China. A key outcome of the event was the launch of the China-Africa Regional Development Centre for “Chinese + TVET” which is a collaborative effort between the Durban University of Technology (DUT), the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation (under China’s Ministry of Education) and the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU).

Representatives from the three partner institutions, including Yu Yunfeng, Director of the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, Director-General of South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training and Lan Siren, President of FAFU, attended the unveiling ceremony to officially establish the centre.

The newly created China-Africa Regional Development Centre for “Chinese + TVET” is designed to serve Africa by advancing international Chinese language education and vocational training. It aims to build a forward-looking platform that integrates Chinese language learning with technical and vocational education and training (TVET), offering students new opportunities for employability and entrepreneurship. The centre’s primary focus is on nurturing individuals who are both proficient in Chinese and skilled in vocational trades, while also strengthening cooperation between China and Southern African nations in vocational education and skills development.

Since its establishment in March 2013, the DUT Confucius Institute, operated in partnership with FAFU, has been dedicated to meeting South Africa’s growing demand for Chinese language and cultural exchange programmes. The award winning DUT Confucius Institute (CI) has made significant strides in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the people of China and South Africa, while reinforcing educational and cultural bonds between the two countries. To date, the DUT Confucius Institute has forged strong partnerships with South African universities, schools, government entities and Chinese enterprises, with more than 11000 registered students and over 230000 participants in community activities from both South African and Chinese communities.

Additionally, the DUT CI has created opportunities for a number of high achieving students to study in China or to intern with Chinese companies and has facilitated over 400 academic, cultural and artistic exchanges involving scholars, educators, researchers, language learners and artists from both nations.

The establishment of the China-Africa Regional Development Centre for “Chinese + TVET” is a significant milestone in China-Africa cultural and educational exchange, building on the momentum of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). This initiative connects the youth of China and Africa, injecting fresh energy into their shared journey towards modernisation and mutual development, while contributing to the creation of a high-quality China-Africa community with a shared future.

Pictured: Delegates at the China-Africa-UNESCO Dialogue on Education and Cultural Heritage Cooperation which was held in Beijing, China.

Frank WU Lin /Alan Khan