Updated

Namibian media report that the Chinese government has sponsored several classrooms in Namibian schools to teach Mandarin.

The Namibian Press Agency reported on Saturday that China's Ambassador to Namibia Xin Shunkang inaugurated a classroom at a school outside the capital Windhoek earlier this week. The school is one of several in the district that will offer language classes for two hours after school.

The school's principal Jakavaza Kavari said learning Mandarin will help the children when they apply for scholarships later. They also learn Mandarin songs.

The agency said Mandarin is not officially recognized as part of the Namibian education curriculum.

Namibia's education ministry said in a statement the country has also received a grant of more than $7 million to build a school for children from poor communities.