The Chinese government officially handed over a state-of-the-art cultural and language center to the University of Juba on Thursday.
The new E-classroom, designed to accommodate 40 students, will serve as a hub for promoting Chinese language, arts, and culture.
During the handover ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan MA Qiang expressed his pleasure in attending the opening of the integrated E-classroom, which doubles as China’s cultural center at the University of Juba. He emphasized that the center would foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between China and South Sudan.
“It is a great honor for me to attend the opening of the Integrated E-Classroom, which also serves as China’s cultural center here at the University of Juba,” MA said. “As I entered the university gates, I was inspired by your motto of relevance and excellence.”
He highlighted the University of Juba’s vital role in South Sudan’s education and development, calling it the nation’s leading institution of higher learning.
“As a beacon of knowledge and innovation, the University of Juba has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, shaping the intellectual, cultural, and economic landscape of South Sudan. In China, we have a saying: ‘The greatest endeavor of a century lies in nurturing people.'”
In his remarks, Professor Robert Mayom Deng, Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, thanked the Chinese government for the generous donation, noting that the university had not requested the gift.
“In May 2023, the embassy offered to donate the solar-powered e-classroom to create the China Culture Center on our main campus. We were happy to accept. Initially, we expected the project to take two to four months to complete, but unfortunately, it took longer. Today, we are celebrating the official handover.”
Professor Mayom encouraged students to make the most of the new facility, which features a fully integrated classroom with 40 desks, an interactive flat-panel display, solar-powered lighting, and air conditioning.
“This facility offers an environment of exceptional comfort and functionality,” he said. “You won’t find another like it at any other university. I urge our students to take full advantage of this opportunity to enhance their learning and skills.”