Pune : Goethe -Institut Max Mueller Bhavan, Pune and the Department of foreign languages (German Language) of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding for teachers’ training, arts, culture and literature. The MoU was signed by Mr. Markus Biechele, Director Goethe-Institut Pune, Ms. Alicia Padros, Deputy director and head of language department Goethe-Institut Pune, Prof. Dr. Swati Acharya, Head, Department of foreign languages, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Prof. Jyoti Bhakre, Registrar Savitribai Phule Pune University.
The MoU will include taking forward the collaboration for teachers’ training program (DLL -Deutsch Lehren Lernen or ‘learning how to teach German’) conducted by Goethe-Institute and will benefit those studying MA German at SPPU’s foreign languages department and aspiring to become German language teachers.
The MoU also extends to various activities related to arts, culture and literature. German section of SPPU foreign languages department will participate in various activities by Goethe-Institut and will also help reach to a wider audience. Mr. Markus Biechele, Director Goethe-Institut Pune said that Pune has a rich legacy of German language learning and presents a lot of career opportunities for students and in turn boosts Indo-German friendship and collaboration. We are extremely happy to partner with SPPU, this marks a significant moment for us.
Dr. Swati Acharya, Head, Department of foreign languages, Savitribai Phule Pune University said that the pilot program of DLL was started in 2021 and more than 100 students have benefited so far. This MoU is a logical next step in the long cooperation and very fruitful work which both the institutions have been doing together is an extension of ongoing collaboration between the two and paves the path for a sustainable partnership and co-operation. We already have courses in didactics for our MA students. We will officially incorporate many aspects and components of ‘DLL’ in the MA program which is conducted for four semesters. Apart from this selected number of students will be offered scholarships by Goethe Institute, Pune for select courses.
Ms. Alicia Padros, Deputy director and head of language department Goethe-Institut Pune said that there is a growing demand for German teachers in Maharashtra. Also growing number of students who decide to study German want to become teachers. So, this is the right time to consolidate the program and formalize the collaboration. It is here in Pune where German as foreign language began 110 years ago. It was the first place where German was taught. At Goethe- Institut we always look for partners and collaborate with those who want to learn German as a foreign language. All our activities are based on partnerships and mutuality.
Mr. Markus Biechele, Director Goethe-Institut Pune added that “As the globally active cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany, we advocate for understanding between Germany, Europe and the world. 151 Goethe-Institutes in 98 countries (in India: 6 institutes) together with numerous partner institutions form the basis of our global network. With a wide range of educational and information programs, we support in particular students and skilled workers from abroad on their route to Germany.”
