The University of Siena and UDs in a working session

Fostering ties for cooperation

Dschang SIC/UDs-16/02/17.The Chancellery conference hall of the University of Dschang hosted a working session between the Rector of the University of Stranieri de Siena (Italy) and the University of Dschang. The visit which commenced at 10.00 am was marked by an exchange session with the Rector of the University of Stranieri de Siena, Prof Pietro Cataldi and Dr Raymond Sibetcheu (a lecturer at the University of Siena) and the University of Dschang relating to the possible cooperation ties with the institution. The Vice Chancellor, Prof Tsafack Roger Nanfosso in his welcome address welcomed Prof Pietro Cataldi and appreciated the 15 year existing ties with Italy. He lauded the trust instilled by the Minister of Higher Education to the University of Dschang as it recently hosted the capacity building of teachers in the Italian language as well as awarded attestations to participants. The Vice Chancellor requested from the Rector a possible upgrade of the University Italian centre, technological upgrade, didactic material, and the library in the Italian language. He expressed a fervent need on student/ lecturer exchange program to improve on bilateral relations between the institutions. Prof Pietro Cataldi on his part thanked the entire university community and applauded its hospitality praising the rich cultural value of Cameroon. Being his 1^st visit to Cameroon, the rector expressed satisfaction and assured the University of Dschang that the University of Siena was open to dialogue for the promotion of the Italian language. He stated that Cameroon has the largest number of Italian language students from Africa and highlighted the fact that students with a bachelor degree in the Italian language from the University of Dschang can do their Masters program in Italy.

Family picture with students during the tour by the Rector and Vice Chancellor

The exchange session which followed dwelt on issues like possible projects with Italian universities in the region, creation of a specialised linguistic centre, upgrade teaching practices through video conferencing among other areas of support.

The visit continued with a tour at the Italian University Centre where masters students of the Italian language and professional masters students in translation had a brief exchange session with the Rector. The working session ended with a cocktail and presentation of gifts to the Rector, Prof Pietro to symbolize future beneficial cooperation ties. /