2016 seminar on Chinese language and culture for south to south cooperation from developing countries.

The Ethics Institute was provided with an opportunity to have a representative of the organisation attend a three-week seminar in Beijing, China, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

Celia Lourens in her capacity as Project Manager at The Ethics Institute joined over 50 individuals representing 19 countries. It was hosted by the Beijing International Chinese College (BICC). The seminar offered classes on practical Mandarin, which provided participants with a sound introduction to everyday vocabulary as well as lectures on Chinese Economy, Chinese History and Chinese Characters. The Chinese language classes enabled delegates to engage in basic conversations including ways to introduce themselves, greetings, shopping, changing money, eating and travelling.

“In addition to the lectures, the delegates were also afforded an opportunity to join in corporate engagements and discussions which were held in Tianjin, a metropolis in northern eastern China, which has a rich and diverse history,” Celia said.

“We also visited what is often described as a modern urban miracle, the city of Shenzhen. Other sightseeing excursions included a visit to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Beijing hutongs, Italian Style Street and a river cruise in Tianjin.”

Says Celia: “The BICC staff and lecturers were of the highest calibre, ensuring that seminar delegates were familiarised with the Chinese culture and way of life.  A special note of appreciation to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pretoria for honouring a representative from The Ethics Institute to participate in this worthy cultural experience”.