By Michael Aaron Gomez
Sixteen adult learners from the Ateneo de Davao Academy of Lifelong Learning (ADD-ALL) visited the Jinjiang Province and Xiamen City in China, from 10 to 13 July 2019 as part of their Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture course. Accompanying the learners on their trip was Ms. Johanna Pauline Angelica R. Lamzon, the class instructor.
Having arrived at Jinjiang province, the learners visited the province’s own Rizal Park, an exact replica of the famous monument to Dr. Jose Rizal in Luneta, Manila. Afterward, they proceeded to Hua’an, in Hakka Village, to visit the World Heritage Hakka Earth – Eryi Building, one of China’s great treasures as well as one of the world’s largest-scale residential construction projects. The learners explored the walled living space and structure of the village, unique to the Hakka people of Southern China.
In Xiamen City, the learners also visited Gulangyu Islet, or the “Garden on the Sea;” Shuzhuang Garden, offering breathtaking views of the hills and sea; and Zhongshan Pedestrian Street, which is the busiest street in the city, boasting buildings built in different architectural styles that add to its character and liveliness. The learners also dropped by the city’s many attractions, including old mansions, museums, as well as the various natural attractions where the students appreciated the natural beauty of China.
The tour allowed the learners to practice Mandarin, which they had been learning at school. One learner, Esther A. Li, told of her experience on Facebook that she “got to say [her] few favorite words that [she] learned from [their] class: nihao, duoshao qian, [and] xiexie.” Other learners also included the Tan family, who were given a chance not only to practice their Mandarin, but also to meet their relatives in Jinjiang, for the first time.
Leading the development of adult education in the Philippines not only in cultural courses such as foreign language instruction, the Ateneo de Davao Academy of Lifelong Learning is the new, affordable, and exciting academy offered by the Ateneo de Davao University for learners aged twenty-five and above. ADD-ALL offers both professional and personal development tracks comprising non-degree short courses for adult learners. These short courses feature fun classes that will help people learn new skills, develop new hobbies, and meet new friends. The program also integrates technopreneurship into selected courses to help learners earn from their passions through creating start-up business models for new ventures.
Interested applicants may reach ADD-ALL through their Facebook (www.facebook.com/lifelonglearningaddu), Twitter (www.twitter.com/addu_all), email (lifelonglearning@addu.edu.ph), or landline at (082) 221 – 2411 local 8296. Applicants may also visit the ADD-ALL office located at the Office of the President, G/F Canisius Hall, Ateneo de Davao University, Jacinto campus.
