72 UCT Students graduate in isiXhosa communication skills
Multilingual Education Project, which is based in the Centre for Higher Education Development, has handed certificates to 72 excited students who completed the isiXhosa Communication Skills course during the first semester in 2016. The certificate ceremony was held on 18th May 2016. The students who were awarded certificates included 22 foreign students, students from departments such as Dietetics, Philosophy and Psychology.
The certificates were handed by Prof Mbulungeni Madiba who is the coordinator of the project. In congratulating students Prof Madiba emphasised the importance of learning an additional language in today multilingual world. He further pointed out that learning another is socially and culturally beneficial and also helps one to be able to make real connection with the speakers of that language. It also provides a better understanding of one’s language.
The Masithethe isiXhosa course is offered at beginners and intermediate levels. Each course comprises 12 sessions which enable students to learn basic conversations such as greetings, introductions, giving personal information in isiXhosa and to develop understanding of isiXhosa culture. After the 12 sessions students may opt to do oral assessment if they want to receive a certificate of completion. Student members who do not take assessment only receive attendance certificate if they attend at least 10 sessions. The next course will be offered in the next semester starting from August. Students who are interested to the course may contact Mzi.Mnyatheli@uct.ac.za or Nolubabalo.Tyam@uct.ac.za or ext: 2645/5567.
Story by Nolubabalo Tyam
Photos by Rondine Carstens