The Tonga-China Friendship Association (TCFA) has launched its first-ever Chinese language course this month. The initiative is designed to help Tongan students better prepare for study opportunities in China.
The course, facilitated by Mr. Leo, head of Chinese language teachers, along with TCFA board secretary Mishka Tuifua, and Secretariat members Silivia Talanoa and Ruby Ma’afu, is available for students seeking scholarships to study at Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU).
Trainers for the course are experienced Chinese nationals and language educators from local schools, including Tonga High School, Tonga College, St Andrews, and Tailulu College.
The program offers HSK levels 1 and 2, as an introduction before students continue with levels 3 and 4 in China. This is part of TCFA’s commitment to ensuring that Tongan students are well-prepared for their studies in China.
Although scholarship awards are not yet confirmed, the course is being offered to help students get a head start. “We want to help Tongan students be better prepared before studying in China by being exposed to the Chinese language first,” a TCFA statement said.
Whilst the course runs face to face, it also available via zoom for students from the outer islands.
The course runs until August, with TCFA hoping for more scholarship applications being approved this year, building on the success of awarding 10 scholarships in 2024.
