Confucius hub launch at Downshire School

Mandarin was showcased as Downshire School hosted the official launch of the Confucius Classrooms Project for the Carrickfergus Hub.
From left to right. Ms Chen Yong, Miss Fotheringham, Confucius co-ordinator Carrickfergus, Mr Creighton, chair of board of governors, Mrs Stewart, principal, Ms Yan Li, director Confucius Classrooms and Ms Liu Oumei. INCT 42-790-CONFrom left to right. Ms Chen Yong, Miss Fotheringham, Confucius co-ordinator Carrickfergus, Mr Creighton, chair of board of governors, Mrs Stewart, principal, Ms Yan Li, director Confucius Classrooms and Ms Liu Oumei. INCT 42-790-CON
From left to right. Ms Chen Yong, Miss Fotheringham, Confucius co-ordinator Carrickfergus, Mr Creighton, chair of board of governors, Mrs Stewart, principal, Ms Yan Li, director Confucius Classrooms and Ms Liu Oumei. INCT 42-790-CON

This programme is run in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Assembly and the University of Ulster. The hub has also received support from Carrickfergus Borough Council.

“The idea of the programme is to open more doors for young people by giving them extra skills and make them more employable when they leave school.

“We are doing this by bringing teachers from China to educate our pupils in Chinese language and culture. As we know China is a growing country in the business world and we expect to have more links with them in future year,” a statement from Downshire explained.

Jonathan Bell MLA with Mrs Stewart, principal, Hub Chinese teachers, Chen Yong and Lui Oumei, Mr Tom Creighton, MBE, chair of Downshire board of governors and  Mr B Shields, governor. INCT 42-797-CONJonathan Bell MLA with Mrs Stewart, principal, Hub Chinese teachers, Chen Yong and Lui Oumei, Mr Tom Creighton, MBE, chair of Downshire board of governors and  Mr B Shields, governor. INCT 42-797-CON
Jonathan Bell MLA with Mrs Stewart, principal, Hub Chinese teachers, Chen Yong and Lui Oumei, Mr Tom Creighton, MBE, chair of Downshire board of governors and Mr B Shields, governor. INCT 42-797-CON

There are nine schools in the area involved, both primary and secondary from the controlled, voluntary, integrated and maintained sectors.

“Our guest speaker for the event was Mr Jonathan Bell MLA, unfortunately he got held up on a business trip to Scotland and was unable to take part but we were very pleased that he made a huge effort and arrived later. We were very grateful to Councillor Colin Kennedy who stood in for Mr Bell at very short notice. We were also very pleased to welcome Mrs Yan Liu from the Confucius Institute in the University of Ulster who kindly said a few words of support for our hub.”

Guests who attended the launch included Fiona Surgeoner, Good Relations officer, Carrickfergus Council, Jim Loughins, principal Whitehead Primary School, Gareth Hamilton, principal Sunnylands PS, Mr J McCready, co-ordinator, Carrickfergus College, Ms Vian-Coe and Ms Warwick, Silverstream PS, members of Downshire board of governors, PTA, staff and sixth form students.

“The event showcased what the pupils have been learning so far. We had pupils from Silverstream Primary School counting and greeting the guests in Mandarin, Carrickfergus College pupils also took part showing off their Mandarin skills in conversation and counting. Our own Year 14 Downshire pupils had a full conversation in Mandarin and then gave us the English translation. Our Year 12 GCSE PE class stole the show with an amazing martial arts display.

“We look forward to all that is to come in the programme this year and hope that the young people of our borough will benefit from this amazing experience.”

Adults too can engage in the Confucius programme – if interested in learning Mandarin, contact Downshire School on 028 93364334.

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