The Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University organized the 2021 Essay Writing Competition on February 15th. This was done in order to stimulate students' enthusiasm and interest in learning Chinese language. It also showed the learning achievements they had acquired so far. Many were excited at the opportunity as it gave them a platform to share not only their learning experiences but other touching stories as well. Themed "My Chinese Learning Story", the competition was divided into Chinese group and English group. English, because fresh learners of the language still at a basic level could only write essays in English.
KUCI Students awarded in a previous event.
As soon as the announcement of the event was released, it aroused an overwhelming cheer among the students and especially those that had participated before in the annual event. Most of them couldn’t wait to win the amazing prizes given to the best writers. Proud lecturers of the Institute were as well happy to receive over 60 submissions from the students who are currently attending online classes. Face to face learning and thus in person participation in the Essay Writing competition was not possible as directed by the Covid-19 MoH guidelines.
Some of the most interesting topics they wrote on included; their experience in learning Chinese Language, the health benefits of learning and practicing in Taiji (Martial Arts), the out of class experiences they had garnered that propelled their language acquisition among other interesting topics. Each work reflected the true feelings of the students, and a large number of excellent works had exquisite brushwork. In the words of Lecturer Wang Xin, the works were wonderful, vivid, and real and displayed a touching expression made in either English or Chinese. The Lecturers were thrilled with their student’s performance.
The prizes given included one first prize, two second prizes and three third prizes, four outstanding prizes and several participating prizes, all in line with the generous nature of Chinese culture where every participant gets the opportunity to win something. The first prize went to Eugene Teddy Makokha whose works will be published on the Confucius Institute Website. Congratulations to all participants and winners.
