Chinese Language Programs In Schools Nationwide Funded By China's Government
More schools nationwide are offering Chinese language courses that are approved and funded by China's government.
CNNreported that, over the past four years, the number of students taking Chinese language courses has increased from 40 to 350 in the Gahnna-Jefferson School District of Columbus, Ohio.
Hank Langhals, who serves as coordinator for pupil services in that school district, told CNN that the rise in Chinese language education correlates to China becoming an economic and social world power.
"We owe it to our students so they can be a successful part of the world, and China will be a major player there."
His district's Chinese language program, called the "Confucius Classroom" network, is approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education and received $30,000 in funding from China's government.
These partnerships between the school districts and China are initiated by Asia Society, a nonprofit organization and educational institution that promotes Asian culture worldwide. At least 20 schools in the U.S. participate in the program.
Langhals denies a conflict of interest and thinks the difference in political strategy between countries shouldn't leave kids ignorant to another culture's perspective.
"We don't agree with everything, how the system works in China... that doesn't mean, though, that if it's not there yet that our students don't learn about the culture and don't learn about the language."
WATCH:
Following the trend, Chicago schools used a different method to forge their relationship with China.
The Chicago Tribune reported on students at Walter Payton College Preparatory High School and other Chicago Schools who also participate programs funded by China.
Partnering with Shanghai's East China Normal University, Payton is home to a Confucius Institute, which holds over 10,000 Chinese texts that can be accessed by students. There are many Confucius Institute centers worldwide, however Payton's is the only one that is located in a high school.
Sophomore student Morgan Holmes, who participates in Payton's program, told the Tribune that learning Chinese is not just coursework, but a part of her life's goals.
"I want to be a doctor... So many people speak Chinese. If I learn it, I will be able to help more people."
The Chicago Tribune reported that China's President Hu Jintao will visit Payton later in the week. They also report that 42 schools in Chicago offer Chinese language courses to over 12,000 students.
No comment has been released regarding China's motive for the academic relationships, however China's Ministry of Education states as one of its goals: "To plan, coordinate and direct the work of promoting the Chinese language in the world."
Loading comments… 
First Posted: 01/19/11 07:28 PM ET Updated: 05/25/11 07:25 PM ET