WINDHOEK, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Li Wen, a young teacher from southwest China's Sichuan Province, never expected her work to take her across continents.
Now based in Windhoek, Namibia's capital, Li is one of the volunteer teachers at the Confucius Institute at the University of Namibia, helping meet the country's growing interest in learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture.
Since arriving in February 2024, the 25-year-old has taught more than 86 learners at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School in Windhoek.
"We have just concluded our 2025 academic year with a good impact. It's more than teaching; it's a China-Namibia exchange through language," she told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Li said Chinese classes are offered nationwide to university students, secondary school learners, and adults. Lessons are kept engaging through books, games, and cultural activities, helping strengthen people-to-people links between the two countries.
Local interest in learning Chinese has grown steadily, driven by young Namibians seeking skills that could expand their future study and career options.
Albertina Hembapu, a 16-year-old student at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School, enrolled in Chinese classes motivated by her desire to study in China.
"For three years, I have been learning Chinese. I was motivated when I saw how learning Mandarin helped my neighbor get ahead," she said.
She recalled being shy at first, with the characters feeling unfamiliar. "But I listened, watched Chinese movies, music, and cooking shows to grasp the language," she said.
Her interest deepened after a cultural exchange trip to China, where she visited the Great Wall and language centers through opportunities offered by the Confucius Institute.
"Learning Chinese helped me dream bigger. I now see myself as a young sinologist," she said. With her developing language skills, she hopes to study medicine in China before returning home to serve her community.
For Tobias Gwanekonda, who began learning Chinese earlier this year, the appeal lies in cultural exposure and personal growth. "Exposure to a culture different from mine, and knowing that if I study well, I can get a chance to travel to China," he said.
Li said the classes have also helped many students gain confidence. "I see young people who come here afraid to learn Chinese, but later transform into confident youngsters," she said.
Since its establishment at the University of Namibia in 2013, the Confucius Institute has expanded to 13 centers nationwide, eight of them in secondary schools.
Liu Dianbo, director of the Confucius Institute, said the institution has enrolled around 8,000 students over the years and continues to offer cultural events and language competitions.
Online classes have also been added, and Chinese has been incorporated into the curricula of some schools.
Jairos Kangira, a Namibian professor, said teaching Chinese forms part of China's broader educational cooperation with Namibia and has broadened opportunities for local learners.
"The strong trade ties with China have increased the appeal of learning Mandarin among young people, positioning them to seize new opportunities. These include business, translation jobs, as well as education, and in return contribute to the country's economic growth," Kangira told Xinhua.
Looking ahead, Li, who holds a master's degree in Chinese phonology from Chongqing International Studies University, hopes to explore more of Namibia beyond the classroom and continue deepening cultural understanding between the two peoples. ■