University of Nairobi Confucius Institute Students and Afristar Railway Staff Mark the Chinese Mooncake Festival

Touring the Heart of SGR Operations

The event began with a tour of the Main Control Room at Afristar Railway’s Dispatching Center. Guided by staff members, CIUoN students witnessed the real-time operations of the railway system, learning firsthand from engineers and dispatch staff. Third-year electrical engineering student Alex Cyrus was among those who mingled with the control room engineers, gaining a deeper appreciation of the intersection between Chinese technology and Kenyan infrastructure.

Mooncake Making: A Taste of Tradition

As part of the celebration, some students had the unique opportunity to try making mooncakes, a traditional delicacy enjoyed during the festival. Under the guidance of Chinese chefs from Afristar, students joined in crafting these symbolic cakes, which represent unity and reunion within Chinese culture.

Chinese Cultural Performances

In the afternoon, CIUoN teacher Maureen Ooko moderated an exciting array of performances in the company’s multifunctional room, bringing the spirit of the Mooncake Festival to life.

• Xuě Lóng Yín Dance: Performed by the CIUoN dance club, this fan dance impressed the audience with its graceful movements. Originally showcased during the 2022 China Winter Games, the performance was highly acclaimed.
• Chang’e-Flying to the Moon Drama: A mythical tale explaining the origins of the Mooncake Festival was narrated by CIUoN student Dennis Odhiambo and performed by his fellow students, captivating the audience with its rich history.
• Interactive Q&A: Teacher Maureen hosted a lively Q&A session where students and Afristar staff eagerly participated. Those who answered correctly received a stuffed rabbit, symbolizing the moon, which added a playful and lighthearted touch to the event.

Collaborative Group Activities

The celebrations also featured engaging group activities, including a puzzle-solving competition that fostered teamwork between CIUoN students and Afristar staff. The winners, selected by teacher Gu Junyi, proudly represented their respective teams.

More Musical Performances

The cultural exchange continued with more artistic performances:

• Heavenly Palace Dance: CIUoN dance club’s graceful rendition mesmerized Kenyan and Chinese attendees.
• A Beautiful Solo Performance: CIUoN student Benevolence Akomo's powerful rendition of "Crescent Bay" in fluent Chinese earned her enthusiastic applause and a flower from Afristar staff.
• Choir Performance: A joint choir featuring CIUoN students and Afristar Railway staff harmonized beautifully in the song "When Will the Bright Moon Appear?" The song symbolizes reunion and shared joy.

Additional performances included duets and solos from talented CIUoN students, Dennis Odhiambo and Linah Muguru. The festivities closed with a beautiful rendition of "The Moon Represents My Heart" by teacher Zhang Manman and architecture student Jehoshaphat Ngugi, which received applause.

A Celebration of Cultural Exchange

The Mooncake Festival at SGR Nairobi Terminus was more than a cultural celebration. It symbolized the deepening bonds between Kenya and China, allowing CIUoN students to immerse themselves in Chinese traditions while building relationships with Afristar’s Kenyan and Chinese staff. This fusion of cultures not only enhanced the student's understanding of Chinese practices but also encouraged them to further their studies in the Chinese language, fostering a greater appreciation for global connections.

The event was a testament to the strength of cross-cultural collaboration and the enduring friendship between Kenya and China.