The China Railway No. 5 Engineering Ghana Limited (CR5), in partnership with the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana (CIUG), has organised an outreach programme to inspire students to develop an interest in engineering and strengthen educational and cultural ties between Ghana and China.
Organised at the Zenaddo International School in Accra last Friday, students had the opportunity to learn simple Chinese words related to engineering, hear inspiring engineering stories and participate in hands-on bridge-building activities.
The practical activities helped the students appreciate the creativity, innovation and technical skills involved in major infrastructural development, while encouraging them to consider careers in engineering.
The students also watched videos of China’s infrastructure development with projects designed to improve connectivity and drive economic growth.
CR5 also donated a 75-inch smart television, sports supplies, and STEM learning materials. CIUG also donated 30 copies of Chinese books to the school to support children in learning the Chinese language.
The programme was on the theme, “Gather closer to engineers, feel the power of creation, build dreams for the future”.
Outreach programme
The Director of the Confucius Institute, Liu Baijun, said the outreach programme was initiated following his recent visit to the school, where he was moved by the challenging learning conditions.
He said the programme had also helped to achieve the institute’s aim of promoting the study of the Chinese language and culture.
Mr Liu urged the students to work hard, dream big and pursue their ambitions as the future of the country depended on young people who were committed to learning, innovation and nation building.
He also commended the students for their outstanding performance, particularly their rendition of the traditional Chinese song, Mo Li Hua, during the programme, which he said was evidence of their enthusiasm for learning the Chinese language and culture.
The Director of the Confucius Institute also expressed the hope that the students would continue to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture and be inspired to pursue careers in engineering to contribute to the country’s development.
People-to-people exchanges
An Engineer with CR5, Shi Shenghai, said the company’s outreach to schools formed part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa and inspire the next generation of engineers in the country.
He said after more than 20 years of operating in the country and delivering major infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges and hospitals, the company recognised the need to help children understand the role of engineers in national development.
He said although a single lesson may not determine a child’s future, it could broaden their career choices and encourage some to pursue engineering.
Mr Shi said beyond construction, CR5 had created more than 2,000 jobs for Ghanaians and supported surrounding communities by repairing roads and restoring water supplies.
He said school outreach demonstrated the company’s desire to build lasting relationships with communities, not only as a contractor and employer, but also as a responsible corporate neighbour committed to supporting education and Ghana’s long-term development.
Appreciation
The Headmistress of Zenaddo International School, Zenobia Annum-Addo, urged the students to look beyond traditional career choices such as medicine and nursing, and said engineering was equally important and contributed significantly to the country’s growth through infrastructure and innovation.
She said the school introduced Chinese language lessons as an extracurricular programme about a year ago after learning about the opportunities available through the Confucius Institute.
Ms Annum-Addo said since the programme began, the Confucius Institute had consistently supported the school by organising educational visits, language lessons and examinations, with one of the school’s pupils successfully participating in the assessments.
She also thanked CR5 for sponsoring the programme and supporting the school’s educational activities, saying the collaboration would help equip students with practical skills, global exposure and the confidence to pursue diverse careers in the future.
