Chinese Language for Tomsk Schoolchildren

Tomsk State Pedagogical University (TSPU) has introduced a groundbreaking educational initiative called "Chinese Language for Tomsk Schoolchildren," the first of its kind in the Tomsk region. The project aims to promote and integrate the study of the Chinese language and culture into the curriculum of Tomsk's schools. By doing so, it will provide students with the opportunity to learn Chinese, broaden their educational horizons, and prepare them to succeed in the global academic community.

Anna Bogdanova, the project leader and director of the Institute of Foreign Languages and International Communication, emphasized that the project responds to the growing interest in learning Chinese among young people:

«Chinese is becoming increasingly important in today's world. In response to this educational trend, starting in the 2024–2025 academic years, our institute has introduced a new specialization in "Foreign (Chinese) Language" as part of the "Pedagogical Education (with two specializations)" program. We are now training future Chinese language teachers. Our long-term goal is to provide students in Tomsk and the Tomsk region with the opportunity to study Chinese language and culture, which will expand their borders and make them more competitive in the job market».

The first school to take part in the project was «Perspektiva» School in Tomsk, known for its innovative approach to education. A cooperation agreement has been signed between the TSPU and the school to implement the project. Irina Sakharova, the director of «Perspektiva», believes that this initiative will give Tomsk students a competitive advantage, both in university admissions and in their future careers.

 

«This project will allow motivated students to gain a competitive advantage when applying to universities and, later, when entering the job market, — said Sakharova. — I am confident that the "Chinese Language for Tomsk Schoolchildren" project will not only help our students master a language that is in high demand today but also develop important skills and prepare them for a successful future».

The project will be implemented in stages. In the first phase, activities will be organized to promote the study of Chinese language and culture among schoolchildren. Chinese students studying at the TSPU will visit the school to share insights about their home country, culture, and the unique aspects of the Chinese language. In the second phase, specialized curricula and programs for different age groups will be developed. Starting in September of this year, students in grades 5–9 at «Perspektiva» will begin learning Chinese as part of their «second foreign language» course, following the newly designed programs.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in preparing Tomsk's youth for a globalized world, equipping them with valuable linguistic and cultural skills that will serve them well in their academic and professional lives.