More than 30 Galway teachers sign up to Chinese language and culture course – Healy Eames

Fine Gael Galway West Senator, Fidelma Healy Eames, has today (Wednesday) welcomed confirmation that more than 30 teachers from primary and secondary schools in Galway have signed up to an introductory teacher-in-service course on Chinese language and culture.

The course, which has been facilitated by the Galway based China Ireland Relations Group, takes place in NUIG on Thursday May 9^th. Educators from the Confucius Institute in UCC will conduct the course.

“The interest in this course is a very positive endorsement of the potential that exists in Ireland-China relations. Educators and students alike in Galway are embracing the fact that there are huge benefits to learning about Chinese culture and language. As we move towards economic recovery, China should remain firmly in our sights.

“This course for teachers will be useful in a whole range of ways, not least in preparation for the introduction of Chinese as a short course at Junior Cert level next year. Having campaigned for the inclusion of Mandarin/Chinese on the Junior Cert syllabus, I am now actively involved in the roll-out of Chinese language and culture across eight Galway primary and second-level schools. The demand for greater provision is the challenge for all of us working in this area.

“I hope the decision to include Chinese Language and Culture on the Junior Cert syllabus will have a considerable long-term impact. Parents and pupils in Galway are recognising that there is a public interest in promoting increased cultural, educational and trading links with China.

“I hope the decision to include Chinese Language and Culture on the Junior Cert syllabus will have a considerable long-term impact. Parents and pupils in Galway are recognising that there is a public interest in promoting increased trading links with China.

“Any teacher interested in attending this introductory course can contact me on [email protected]/* */. I would like to thank Dr. Patrick Farren for hosting this course in NUIG. I hope everyone who attends will find it worthwhile and engaging.”

ENDS