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Young Scots heading to China thanks to new funding
27/01/2005
Scottish school children will have the opportunity to
learn Mandarin and experience Chinese culture at first hand
thanks to a range of educational activities announced
today.
The £350,000 package of measures were unveiled today by
the Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace during his visit to
China. They include:
- summer schools in China for Scottish students and
teachers;
- support for Chinese teachers to
come to Scotland to teach Mandarin;
- encouraging Scots to go to China
to teach English.
Speaking as he continued his visit to China at Shenzhen
Experimental School - one of the top middle schools in the
city of Shenzhen - Mr Wallace said:
"I am here to do all I can to strengthen ties between
China and Scotland. We must ensure our country is well
placed to take advantage of the opportunities this emerging
and vast market provides. One of the ways to do that is for
our schools to do more to teach the Mandarin language. This
will become increasingly important in economic terms as the
Chinese economy continues to grow.
"When it comes to business, personal relationships are
immensely important. I am convinced these new links
between our young people will help to achieve this goal.
Bonds formed in our youth are often the strongest and most
durable. Young Scots who visit China as part of this
programme will learn that it is an incredible country. And
the summer schools will also help young Scots meet people I
hope they will be able to call friends for life. This can
only bring our countries closer together and ensure
Scotland benefits in the long term."
The summer schools in China will focus on teaching
Mandarin and will allow students to take part in cultural
activities, learn some of the language and visit
attractions.
It is hoped that up to 120 children will be able to
visit China over the next three years - starting this
summer. The programme will also see eighteen Chinese
language teachers visiting Scotland to teach Mandarin
during the three years
During the visits, Scottish students will be paired with
youngsters from local schools and colleges to help foster
lasting friendships.
The first Summer school will be based in either Beijing,
Hangzhou, Kunming or Xiamen but other cities may be
considered in future years.
Mr Wallace said:
"Young Scots will see that China is a breathtaking place
to visit with beautiful countryside and fascinating cities.
International school exchanges can lead to a willingness to
explore the opportunities offered by different countries
across the world in later life.
"It is crucial our education system produces
adventurous, outward-looking adults able to ensure Scotland
takes full advantage from engaging in a competitive, fast
moving global economy. This exchange is an excellent
example of what we are trying to achieve."
During his week-long visit to China, Mr Wallace also
signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese
Ministry of Education. This will help to further strengthen
the educational links that already exist between Scotland
and China.
In Summer 05 it is proposed
that 3 groups of 10 (8 pupils and 2 teachers) will
join existing schools with counterparts from
England in one of four cities in China - Beijing,
Hangzhou, Kunming or Xiamen. From Summer 06 a
specific Scottish summer school will be
organised.The age group will be 14-18years old. it
is possible that a minimum of 10 hours of Mandarin
learning may be required before joinging the summer
school. Flights and visa are paid by
students/teachers/school themselves. Full details
of the course will follow but it will start in
mid-July.
Chinese Language Assistants
into Scotland. The projection is for 3 in 05/06,
5 in 06/07 and 10 in 07/08.
English Language Assistants
from Scotland to China. It has been agreed to fund
8 in 05/06, 12 in 06/07 and 16 in 07/08 from
Scottish universities.