JUBA, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Thirty South Sudanese medical professionals completed a three-month Chinese language course on Wednesday, gaining practical skills in daily conversations as well as knowledge of Chinese history, culture, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Anthony Lupai Simon, director-general of Juba Teaching Hospital, said the language program will bridge communication gaps between local medical staff and their Chinese counterparts while streamlining patient treatment services.
"We should know how to read the Chinese characters on medicines that are brought to Juba Teaching Hospital. That is why we have to learn to write or read some of the words in Chinese," Lupai said during the graduation ceremony held in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
Li Wancheng, counselor for economic and commercial affairs at the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan, said the program, launched in 2021, aims to strengthen the people-to-people exchange between China and South Sudan.
He also announced that six top-performing trainees will travel to China in September to attend a short-term seminar, which will offer them a firsthand look at China's development, exposure to its culture, and the opportunity to engage with international peers.
Nwabuisi Ifunanya Favour, a 22-year-old nurse who was among the outstanding trainees, said the Chinese language lessons have left a long-lasting impact on the trainees' minds and hearts.
"Each lesson and class was interesting, knowledge-filled, and deeply memorable. We have learnt about Chinese culture, tradition, practices, and nationwide advancement. This information has come to stay in our memories and hearts," Ifunanya said. ■
