KEDA (Ghana) Ceramics Company Limited, a firm that produces the Twyford brand of ceramics locally, has trained over 100 Ghanaian workers in Chinese language to enable effective communication at the workplace.
The Chinese language training programme forms part of the company’s efforts to contribute its quota to strengthening the bilateral relations between Ghana and China.
“We recognise the crucial role that cultural exchange plays. Through language, for instance, we are promoting empathy and mutual respect, which are indispensable to building and maintaining relations on a personal, social and professional level. In a work environment like ours, with employees of culturally diverse backgrounds, it is imperative to take deliberate actions geared toward promoting inclusivity while celebrating diversity,” Mr. Li Wei, the Managing Director of KEDA (Ghana) Ceramics Company Limited, said.
He was speaking at the 2023 first semester closing ceremony and opening ceremony for the second semester at Aboadze in the Shama District of the Western Region. The 2023 first semester closing ceremony had 15 workers of the company graduating after six months while the opening of the second semester saw 54 staff of the company starting the programme.
This number, in addition to previous batches, brings the total number of beneficiaries to more than 100.
He explained that the Chinese language training programme was implemented to foster camaraderie for a more fruitful collaboration.
“With the support of Confucius Institute of the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC), the programme is tailored to provide a solid foundation in Chinese, and a first-hand experience of its associated culture and values. This is aimed at promoting a more effective communication between both local and Chinese employees, allowing for a more seamless transfer of knowledge which will in turn, facilitate the growth of the company,” he said.
“Anybody who has had the opportunity to learn a new language would admit it is a daunting task which many shy away from. Chinese, just like any other language, has its unique intricacies; and it takes more than just attending lectures to develop proficiency in it, especially for non-native speakers.
“In the face of such a hurdle, they displayed grit, resilience, stayed the course and successfully finished the race,” Mr. Li Wei added.
He urged them to take advantage of every single opportunity to practise to ensure its integration in their lives.
“It is my hope that you would transfer the skills and the values you have acquired to your personal and, more importantly, your professional life. I look forward to seeing you all excel in your roles, brightening the corner in which you find yourselves. This, I believe, would accelerate the realisation of the company’s mission to be a major global industry player,” he further said.
To the matriculants, he said: “I commend you for taking advantage of the programme; you have made the right decision. Not only will it broaden your perspective, it will also open the door to a world of opportunities”.
“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,” Mr. Li Wei said.
He urged the matriculants to approach this learning experience with an open-mind, humility and a thirst for knowledge to make their journey worthwhile.
He commended the teachers for their dedication and commitment in imparting their knowledge.
He announced that the company will donate GH¢5000 per semester toward the upkeep of the CIUCC.
Dr. David Yevugah, Director, Corporate Affairs and Human Resource at KEDA, said the company has introduced other staff training programmes with the aim to ensure that Chinese nationals working in managerial positions within the factory will be replaced by the local staff in the long-term.
“Because they lack the technical know-how in operating the machines and how to resolve problems, it is for this reason we are organising these courses so that we give them one-year training on the job at graduation levels; and when they are able to complete, they will be able to occupy those positions. Then, we can allow the Chinese to leave,” he explained.
This, he said, will enable them to communicate effectively with other Chinese, especially at the company’s headquarters.
Robert David Tattah, who placed first in the Chinese Language Training Programme, said the training has bridged the communication gap. “It has helped me to improve on my work because now, I am able to understand, communicate and learn from them as well as see progress in my work”.
He urged the matriculants to take advantage of the opportunity and learn the Chinese language to help them in their work.
