Source: CCTV.com

01-30-2007 16:41

In Thailand, more than 250 volunteer Chinese teachers have gathered at an upscale reception. Thai and Chinese officials praised them for hard work in boosting language skills overseas.

At Monday's reception, an official with the Thai Ministry of Education expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its support of Thai education.

The official says without the work of these volunteers, it would be impossible to accomplish the Thai Ministry's 5-Year Plan on Chinese language education.

The volunteers come from 8 universities across China. They see their work as valuable experience for them while they help others to improve their Chinese. It's the beginning of their teaching careers but it's also a chance to make friends among colleagues and students, not only for themselves but for China as well.

Xue Hualing, director volunteer center, said, "From the Philippines to Thailand, the volunteers of Chinese language teaching have been praised for their spirit of sacrifice. Their work has helped to alleviate the scarcity of Chinese teachers around the world. Meanwhile, the volunteers are non-government ambassadors. They have done a great deal in introducing Chinese culture to the world."

The Chinese Ministry of Education has sent more than 2,000 volunteers to 34 countries since the volunteer plan started in 2004. It's also started employing volunteers in foreign countries to teach Chinese.

 

Editor:Du Xiaodan