A group of 18 students, including 16 from the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi (CIUON) and 2 from Statehouse Girls, returned from a two-week autumn camp in China, part of the prestigious 2024 “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency competition program. The students, who departed on October 11, were hosted at Tianjin Normal University, where they engaged in an intensive program focused on Chinese language and cultural immersion.
Upon their arrival on October 12, they were welcomed with a vibrant lion dance performance by three CIUON students currently studying in China on scholarship. This warm welcome marked the beginning of a comprehensive program at Tianjin Normal University, featuring intensive language classes and a variety of cultural activities, such as traditional paper-cutting, calligraphy, Chinese painting, Beijing opera, Wushu (martial arts), Chinese music choir and Chinese dance.
The cultural exploration included visits to Tianjin Cultural Street, a bustling area rich in traditional arts and crafts and a tour of Haihe River. The students also traveled to Beijing, where they toured the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. These excursions provided an opportunity to experience China’s heritage beyond the classroom, enhancing their appreciation for the country’s history and cultural achievements. Each student was awarded a certification, recognizing their dedication and the knowledge gained throughout the program.
Upon their return on October 25, the students were warmly received by CIUON, led by the Director, Prof. Wang Shangxue, who celebrated their achievements and newfound insights.
On his experience in China, Dennis Odhiambo, a member of the CIUON Kung Fu Club, expressed his enthusiasm. “The autumn camp was a tremendous success,” he shared. “Our understanding of Chinese culture has deepened far beyond what we learn here, and connecting with students from Tianjin Normal University added greatly to the experience.”
Sarah Wangui from Statehouse Girls High School echoed her sentiment. “The people in China were incredibly kind and welcoming,” she said. “I gained so much, especially from the opera and Kung Fu classes. This experience has inspired me to consider further studies in China after completing high school.”
The Chinese Bridge program continues to strengthen the bond between Kenya and China, enriching students’ educational journeys and fostering international understanding.
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