2024-09-18
Fostering Cultural Exchange and Language Proficiency: High School Chinese Bridge Competition at Kenyatta University Confucius Institute
On the 25th of May 2023, Kenyatta University Confucius Institute hosted the highly anticipated High School Chinese Bridge Competition, a vibrant event that celebrated the rich tapestry of Chinese language and culture. Held at the esteemed Kenyatta University main campus, Language and Culture Building, the competition served as a platform for high school students to showcase their linguistic prowess and cultural understanding. The event not only highlighted the growing interest in Chinese language education but also promoted intercultural exchange between Kenya and China.
Notable figures that graced the competion with their presence included: Tang Jianjun, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya; Xie Songxin, President of China Daily Africa Branch; Gao Wei, President of the Kenyan Chinese Federation; Luo Zicheng, General Manager of China Wuyi Kenya Branch, Xinhua News Agency, China Daily, People's Daily and other media outlets, directors of the various Confucius Institutes in Kenya, representatives of Chinese enterprises in Kenya, and Professor, Kenyatta University DVC Research Innovation & outreach, Prof Caroline Thoruwa representing Prof.Paul K.Wainana,Vice-Chancellor,Kenyatta University; Director Accreditation and outreach TVETA, Dr. Fred Oanda, Executive Dean- School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Richard Wafula；Dr.Eng.Fidelis Kilonzo,Executive Dean School of Engineering and Architecture representing Prof.Waceke Wanjohi,Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
To mark the official start of the competition, there were Chinese martial arts, song and dance presentations to entertain the guests. The Kenyatta University Confucius Institute Director, Dr Hellen Guantai, delivered a welcome speech, expressing her gratitude to the Chinese embassy and Kenyatta University sponsoring and making the event happen, noting that it is a sign of commitment to academic exchange and collaboration. Dr. Helen Guantai highlighted the current and upcoming programs at KUCI, and encouraged the highschool students in the audience to consider that path in their pursuit of higher education. Director Accreditation and outreach TVETA ,Mr Fred Oanda; Assistant director radio & media KICD, Dr Susan Mutune; and Executive Dean- School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences,Dr Richard Wafula also delivered compelling speeches. DVC Research Innovation & outreach, Professor Caroline Thoruwa, on behalf of the Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor, during her speech, expressed her desire to see more growth and joint research collaborations between Kenyatta University and Chinese government and universities. The final speech was delivered by Tang Jianjun, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya. A photo session followed , where all the dignitaries and participating schools took
Dignitaries giving their speeches.
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Entertainment at the beginning of the event
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Fly High with Chinese: A celebration of language and Culture
"Fly High with Chinese" was the competition's theme. Three events made up the competition: a challenge quiz, a question-and-answer contest, and a talent contest. Ten contestants from various high schools in Kenya engaged in fierce competition to showcase their Chinese language skills, telling their personal journeys of Chinese learning. The competition kicked off after the hosts, Benson Kamau and Lorna Duoduo, presented the rules of the competition. Speaking on the topic of "Fly High with Chinese", the competitors delivered their speeches. They expressed their desire to serve as ambassadors for cultural exchange between China and other nations. Applause broke out in response to the contestants' engaging content. To assess the students' understanding of Chinese language and culture, a challenge quiz was conducted immediately after their individual speeches. The quiz covered various aspects, including vocabulary, grammar, history, and geography. Participants put their knowledge to the test, further demonstrating their dedication to the study of Chinese and their comprehensive understanding of the cultural nuances associated with the language.
Some of the contestants during the speech contest
The talent show segment was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the competition, as contestants captivated the audience with their performances. Traditional Chinese dances, martial arts demonstrations, enchanting renditions of Chinese songs, mesmerizing calligraphy displays, and heartfelt recitations of Chinese poetry were among the captivating performances that showcased the students' creativity and deep connection with Chinese culture. The talent show segment truly celebrated the essence of cultural appreciation and understanding.
Talent Show Extravaganza
Recognizing Excellence
At the end of the competition, the outstanding participants in each category were recognized and awarded certificates, trophies, and covetable electronics that would be instrumental in their Chinese language learning.
Telema Njoki, a student at Sukari Presbyterian Junior Secondary School, claimed victory in the 16th High Schools Chinese Bridge Competition, Kenya finals, and she will represent Kenya in the international competition. Second place went to Hussein Farhiya Jibril from Statehouse Girls High School, and Nolwazi Ndlovi from Brookhouse School. Third place went to Hawi Olivia from Statehouse Girls High School, Malaika Chege from Brookhouse School, and Philip Kilatya from the Starehe Boys Center.
Additionally, all participants received participation certificates as a testament to their hard work and dedication. The awards ceremony was a celebration of the students' accomplishments and an acknowledgment of their commitment to Chinese language education.
Telema Njoki, 1st Prize Winner
2nd Prize Winners:Hussein Farhiya and Nolwazi Ndlovi
Third Prize Winners: Hawi Olivia, Malaika Chege, and Philip Kilatya
In his concluding speech, KUCI Director, Professor Zhou Xiaodong, expressed his gratitude to the organizers, sponsors, participants, and volunteers for making the whole competition an immense success. The High School Chinese Bridge Competition held at Kenyatta University Confucius Institute was a resounding success, showcasing the passion and talent of high school students in Kenya for the Chinese language and culture. With each performance and interaction, the competition emphasized the significance of linguistic diversity and cultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected world. The participants left the event enriched by their experiences and inspired to continue their journey of exploration into the captivating world of Chinese language and culture.
KUCI Director, Prof. Zhou Xiaodong giving his concluding speech.
Dignitaries and participating schools during the High Schools Chinese Bridge at Kenyatta University