Roots introduces Chinese language in curriculum

ISLAMABAD: In line with the ongoing initiatives to promote Pak-China friendship, Roots School System took a step to consolidate the bond a notch higher.

On a diplomatic level, the two countries have a lot in common and support each other; however there is a significant cultural and language barrier that has inhibited the inhabitants of both countries in forming close ties across the border.

In order to ameliorate the situation, Roots School System launched Pakistan’s first ever Chinese Language and Culture curriculum at their school.

At an inaugural session held at the PNCA on Monday, Roots not only launched their curriculum but also Nihao-Salam, a monthly magazine published by Pakistan-China Institute.

With Chairman Pakistan China Institute Mushahid Hussain and Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Ali Ping as the chief guests, the panel included Javed Leghari, TV anchor Shahid Masood, Syed Hasan Javed, Hun Yi Ling and Mr Faisal Mushtaq, Director Roots School System.

Each panelist reiterated the strength of the programme and the dire need for Pakistani children to learn Mandarin, the fastest growing language in the world after English.

“In order to strengthen the ties between the two countries, it is our prerogative to ensure that our upcoming generation learns this language and consolidates these ties even further,” said Director Roots School Chaudhry Faisal Mushtaq.

Roots is the first private school to institute this curriculum in the country. Two teachers have been flown out from China to head the project and will be teaching at Roots on a full time basis.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd, 2011.