UCC is 'Confucius Institute of the Year'

University College Cork has been awarded for its work in bridging the cultural and educational gap between Ireland and China at a special awards ceremony in Beijing.

The university was one of 388 global ‘Confucius Institutes’ in attendance at the Confucius Institute Global Conference and was honoured with the title of ‘Confucius Institute of the Year’ at the annual in Beijing.

Having been established in 2007, the Confucius Institute at UCC was created in partnership with Shanghai University.

The institute delivers the Chinese language and culture to 33 Irish schools and over 4,000 students, as well as delivering Chinese language modules at UCC.

The programme produced the Chinese curriculum for transition year students in Ireland and the first Chinese curriculum for Irish higher education institutes.

It also led to the production of four Chinese textbooks for teaching and learning in schools and universities and the establishment of the first Irish training centre for Chinese teachers.

Through the UCC CI, outreach activities are organised with partners at national and local levels to promote mutual understanding between Ireland and China.

Madam Xu Lin, Director General of Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters congratulated the UCC CI on its success and said that the headquarters would continue its support at UCC CI and its strategic plan and activities in Ireland in general, and in Cork in particular.