Professor Fan Hong, Head of School of Asian Studies at UCC and Director of the UCC Confucius Institute, Dr Zhu Yanwei, Co-Director of the UCC Confucius Institute, joined the reception and bid farewell to the delegation which comprised of 13 principals and teachers from 11 schools in Cork. The delegation will travel to China today (October 22nd 2010) for an eight-day visit. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen the collaboration between schools in Shanghai and Cork, as set out in the Sister City Agreement. The trip is funded by UCC Confucius Institut
The delegation will visit the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing and brief their work of introducing Chinese language and culture in their schools. The delegation will then travel to Shanghai to visit the National Training Center for High School Principals in East China Normal University. The principals will visit their twin schools in Shanghai and, for those without twin schools, it is an opportunity to link with potential sister schools.
UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy commented that China is very important to Ireland’s Asia Strategy and UCC’s Strategic Plan. Chinese language is being taught in 32 schools in Cork City and County through the Confucius Institute at UCC, enabling Ireland's young generation to take the future opportunities.
The members of the delegation include:
Picture: Cork School Principals prior to their departure to China with UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy and Professor Fan Hong, Head of School of Asian Studies at UCC and Director of the UCC Confucius Institute.
