Gerald Ola a student of Muni University in Arua was in China's capital Beijing on a study tour to learn the link between culture and Information Communication Technology. We caught up with Ola at the Beijing Language and Culture University where he was studying Chinese. Among the new things he has learned was the Chinese pronunciation of his name. He explained the joys and challenges of trying to learn a new language. “I actually thought it was a very difficult thing but basically each and every word is divided into two; there are the initials and the finals. So the way they are doing it here is that they are teaching us the initials and they are teaching us the finals then after we join them together to create words. And that’s when we started to realize that it’s actually a very simple language.” Said, Gerald Ola – Student, Muni University.

He said after the short study tour, he hoped to carry on the mantle of learning the language even while in Uganda. “You know, first of all, learning Chinese will put you up there. You will not be a low-grade employee anymore, it adds more value to you as an employee.” Ola was not alone, he was with nine other Ugandan students who were touring China as part of Huawei's seeds for the future program. “I know how to greet, I know how to count money, I know very many things in China. I have really got a very good experience.” Said, Hilda Abigaba – Student, Lira University. “They are easy to learn especially when you have somebody good at it and teaching them.” Said, Cosmas Karasira – Student, Busitema University. Their teacher Xing Xiaoyan praised the students for their ability to grasp the new language. “They listen carefully and take notes in the class. And with the teaching activities, they are very good.” Said, Xing Xiaoyan – Teacher of Chinese language.

Lina Cao the Communications Manager of Huawei in Uganda explained why they were trying to introduce the Chinese language to the Ugandan students. “I think even when they go back home they can also share what they have learned to others. Because as far as I know, Chinese is almost the most difficult language to learn but after they have achieved anything and they can share with others." Said, Lina Cao – Communications Manager, Huawei Uganda. Ugandan education officials have always spoken of the need to introduce Mandarin as some of the languages in schools in the country but the initiative is yet to pick momentum.