Local Chinese Language Teacher in Zimbabwe Enhances Bilateral Friendship

Passion for language and teaching have driven Anyway Tapera to pursue a career in teaching Chinese as a second language. After studying in China for three years, this trained teacher returned to Zimbabwe and applied what he had learned overseas. Today, as a full-time local Chinese language teacher, he works with other teachers to promote friendship between China and Zimbabwe through Chinese language teaching and research.

Tapera remarked, "It has been an extraordinary journey of learning and teaching Chinese." "After studying Chinese in Zimbabwe for four years, I received a scholarship in 2014 to further my studies in Chinese language at Hebei University in China. In July 2017, I obtained a master's degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language." Tapera added, "The desire to continue influencing others' lives through learning Chinese brought me back to my hometown after completing my studies."

Following his graduation, Tapera was employed as a local Chinese language teacher at the University of Zimbabwe, which houses a center for Chinese language and culture in Harare. He has taught Chinese in several colleges nationwide, and currently, he teaches Chinese courses at Hillside Teachers College in Bulawayo.

Through his efforts, two public high schools in Bulawayo will introduce Chinese language courses next year. Some of his students have also followed in his footsteps and become Chinese language teachers. He stated, "As a Chinese language teacher at Hillside Teachers College, in line with the vision and mission of the University of Zimbabwe, we will take the lead in introducing Chinese language courses in public schools in Bulawayo, as most private schools have already done so."

Tapera is currently working on developing local Chinese teaching materials to provide learning resources for students who aspire to become Chinese language teachers. He said, "In addition to teaching, I also provide translation services for several companies in Zimbabwe, assisting them with machine and equipment installation." Tapera believes that learning Chinese can make students more competitive in the global stage.

In Zimbabwe, learning Chinese is considered very promising. The sound bilateral relationship between China and Zimbabwe has driven rapid growth in Chinese investment and trade. Tawanda Zimhindo, a local Chinese language teacher at the University of Zimbabwe and founder of a Chinese consultancy firm in Zimbabwe, said, "These relations offer numerous opportunities for Zimbabwean youth. To benefit from the opportunities brought by the China-Zimbabwe relationship, young people in Zimbabwe need to master Chinese alongside other qualifications."

"Proficiency in Chinese means that one will no longer be confined to his or her own country but become a global citizen, opening up opportunities on a global scale." Zimhindo stated. He also noted that a significant number of imports to Zimbabwe currently come from China. He explained, "To ensure smooth trade and economic interactions, communication is essential, and only those who are proficient in both Chinese and English can strengthen these interactions."

"Furthermore, reaching a certain level of proficiency in Chinese allows individuals to apply for various scholarships. The best part is that not only students majoring in Chinese can apply for scholarships, but students from other majors can also choose to apply for scholarships in their preferred fields."