In a move aimed at promoting more effective communication between both local and Chinese employees and allowing for a more seamless transfer of knowledge, which will in turn, facilitate the growth of the company, Keda (Ghana) Ceramics Company Limited has offered Chinese language training to some staff members.
The Chinese Language Training Program forms part of the company’s efforts to contribute its quota to strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and China.
The training, which was conducted by the Confucius Institute of the University of Cape Coast (CI-UCC), was held on the premises of the company and was tailored to provide a solid foundation in Chinese and a first-hand experience of its associated culture and values.
15 students graduated for the first semester of 2023, whereas 53 matriculated into the program, adding to the total of about 100 staff benefiting from the program so far.
Participants will undergo language lessons, cultural awareness sessions, and practical communication exercises, as well as learn essential conversational phrases, business etiquette, and cultural tones that can greatly impact successful interactions between the Chinese staff and their local counterparts.
Mr Li Wei, Managing Director (MD) of Keda (Ghana) Ceramics, said in a work environment like the company, with employees of culturally diverse backgrounds, it was imperative to take deliberate actions geared towards promoting inclusivity while celebrating diversity.
He said it was against this background that the Chinese Language Training Program was implemented to foster camaraderie for a more fruitful collaboration.
He stated that the company recognizes the crucial role that cultural exchange through language plays in promoting empathy, and mutual respect, which are indispensable to building and maintaining relations on a personal, social, and professional level.
Mr Li noted that Chinese, just like any other language, has its unique intricacies and that it takes more than just attending lectures to develop proficiency in it, especially for non-native speakers, and commended the graduands for their efforts.
He also urged the matriculants to approach the learning experience with an open mind, humility, and a thirst for knowledge, which will make their journey worthwhile.
“Will the journey be challenging? Of course, it will. It is going to be tough, tedious, and nerve-racking; thus, pushing you out of your comfort zone. You might even be tempted to quit. When you get to that point, remember that gold is subjected to fire to be refined. So, face this challenge head-on”, he stressed.
The MD further commended the teachers for their dedication and commitment to imparting their knowledge to the graduates and beneficiaries of the program so far.
Director of Corporate Affairs and Human Relations of the company, Dr David Yevugah, said as the staff members become proficient in Chinese, the company anticipates improved collaboration, better customer service, and increased success in its endeavors in the global market.
He said Twyford Ceramic Company, a well-established player in the ceramics industry, recognizes the importance of effective communication in conducting business across borders, and by providing its employees with Chinese language training, the company aims to bridge the language gap and foster stronger relationships with its Chinese counterparts.
Mr Robert David Tattah, one of the graduates, mentioned that students went through the program for six months within the semester.
Learning the language was difficult, though, and they were grateful to the Management of the company for offering them such an opportunity.
He, therefore, promised to keep on practicing so as to master it and believed that it would foster effective collaboration among the expats and the local staff of the company for growth in production.
