KARACHI: To get early benefits from the game-changing project of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the visionary leaders of Punjab province have started many programs to teach Chinese language to their students and workforce; however, such programs and educational scholarships for learning the Chinese language are badly needed in Sindh province. With Chinese-funded projects mushrooming across Pakistan, an increasing number of youngsters are opting for technical and vocational training at school. Technical education schools have witnessed a surge in enrolment in recent months as development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor [CPEC] have piqued the interest of the youth, reports local media. However, the popularity of the Chinese language amongst the students of Punjab is unprecendented. In the first quarter of 2017, the number of students opting for different courses offered by the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority [Tevta] Punjab has soared. From January to March, as many as 120,000 students have enrolled in different courses offered by Tevta schools whereas the enrolment during 2016 was just 170,000 for the entire year. The Tevta Punjab has already started courses to train the youth for future prospects keeping in view a boost in industrial activity after the completion of CPEC-related schemes. The Chinese language course at Tevta has become the most popular subject among students coming to their centres. Tevta is designing courses with a focus on CPEC and the Chinese language course is an example of this effort. The authority has dedicated 28 institutes to the Chinese language course working in 12 districts of Punjab. Tevta students will be sent to China for advance Chinese language courses, as well as other courses. Their expenses, including tuition fee, boarding and other expenses will be borne by Tevta. Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already announced a special fund for scholarships. Tevta has already started working with China’s universities for cooperation in different sectors of vocational training, including power generation, automobile and automobile mechanics.