Juba teaching hospital staff start Chinese language course
By Denis Ejulu
The fifth Chinese language course for medical staff in Juba Teaching Hospital commenced Thursday, attracting over 70 students eager to learn and seize opportunities that come with learning Mandarin.
In his opening remarks, Yousif Deng Riak Deng, director of programs in the ministry of health, encouraged students to take up seriously this opportunity to learn the Chinese language, adding it helps strengthen the bond between the two countries.
“Medical sector is an important priority area for China- South Sudan cooperation, and this cooperation has yielded fruits which resulted into the establishment of diplomatic relations,” said Deng at the opening ceremony in Juba.
He noted that the medical equipment donated over the years by the Chinese government have tremendously improved the diagnosis and treatment of complicated ailments.
“When our services were not up to grade, a lot of South Sudanese sought medical treatment abroad but we believe with the donation of the People’s Republic of China to the government, we are now able to provide various kinds of medical treatment in the country,” Deng disclosed.
Huo Ying, Hon. Charge D’ Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan said the Chinese language has become more popular globally due to extensive and in-depth exchanges and cooperation between Chinese people and people from all over the world.
She noted that Mandarin has helped South Sudanese youth, especially medical students, to better understand China, Chinese culture and development including China’s contribution to world peace.
“Chinese Bridge is not only a platform for language learning but also a bond to promote exchanges in various fields between China and South Sudan and to enhance mutual understanding and friendship,” said Huo.
Isaac Maker, medical director of Juba Teaching Hospital said that the Chinese people and their government have continued to provide critical support towards the development of South Sudan since independence in 2011.
“They are executing a lot of projects in South Sudan, and for us in Juba teaching hospital without the Chinese people we would not have this beautiful place, where we are sitting now,” said Maker.
Maker was referring to the completed phase one of the expansion and modernization project for Juba teaching hospital, which has given facelift to the main referral hospital.
Phase II of the expansion and modernization project for Juba teaching hospital is currently underway.
Maker revealed that the Chinese government donated the first ever modern CT scan to Juba teaching hospital.
Du Changyong, Team Leader of the 12th batch of the Chinese medical team said that they have managed to build harmonious relationship with colleagues from Juba teaching hospital since their arrival in the country.
“We have active exchanges and cooperation, learning from each other and making mutual progress. During this period, we have been learning English and local language from our colleagues at Juba teaching hospital, in turn, our colleagues also learn Chinese from us,” said Du.
According to the language course timetable, the training will last two months, and it is scheduled on Thursday, once in a week.
Since 2021, the medical staff of Juba Teaching Hospital have been attending Chinese language classes.
