2024-09-18
Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University Shines at the Kenyan Universities and Colleges Chinese Bridge Competition
Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University Shines at the Kenyan Universities and Colleges Chinese Bridge Competition
On May 12, 2023, the Kenyan Universities and Colleges Chinese Bridge Competition was held at the University of Nairobi from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. The competition showcased the linguistic and cultural talents of students from several tertiary institutions across Kenya. Four students represented KUCI at the highly anticipated contest. The event aimed to promote understanding and friendship between Kenya and China through Chinese language and culture.
The competition began with a grand opening ceremony held at Taifa Hall. Dignitaries graced the occasion, including university officials, directors and staff of the various Confucius Institutes in Kenya, Chinese Embassy representatives, and distinguished guests. The opening ceremony featured speeches highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and the significance of learning the Chinese language.
Dignitaries at the Chinese Bridge Competition
The Chinese Bridge Competition comprised three categories, allowing students to demonstrate their proficiency in the Chinese language and showcase their understanding of Chinese culture. The main categories included the speech contest, quiz competition, and talent show. A total of 18 contestants, including four from Kenyatta University Confucius Institute, battled for the big prizes that were prepared.
Participants delivered inspiring speeches, showcasing their fluency and eloquence in Chinese. The speeches reflected the students' passion for the Chinese language and culture, as well as their understanding of bilateral relations between Kenya and China. Each contestant had to finish the quiz competition immediately after their speech. As the audience awaited the talent performances, there were choir performances from the Mpesa Foundation Choir and the UoN Children’s Choir, as well as raffles where the audience won several exciting prizes.
Linsey Kapkarich during the quiz competition
The third and final round of the competition, the talent show, was a captivating display of Chinese cultural performances. Participants demonstrated their skills in traditional Chinese music, dance, and martial arts, leaving the audience in awe of their talent and dedication.
Ann Njoki, Elizabeth Adera and Faith Umazi during the talent show
Despite facing stiff competition from other contestants, Kenyatta University Confucius Institute students still garnered big wins. Three KUCI students, Faith Umazi, Elizabeth Adera, and Anne Njoki, won the Outstanding Talent Award. Linsey Kapkarich won the overall third-place award.
Linsey Kapkarich of KUCI, Third Prize Award Winner
The KUCI students were excited at the prizes received and expressed their gratitude to their teachers and KUCI for their guidance and support. For the KUCI director, Prof. Zhou Xiaodong, and the teachers, the event was also a learning process to better prepare students of KUCI for future competitions and to identify areas for improvement. They were proud of their students' achievements and looked forward to seeing them continue to excel in their studies and future endeavors.
KUCI Director, Prof. Zhou Xiaodong, teachers, contesting students and other accompanying KUCI students at the end of the event.