2024-09-16
KUCI at Kenyatta University Cultural Week- October 23, 2023 On October 23, 2023, the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University participated in the opening ceremony of the annual Kenyatta University's Cultural Week. The Kenyatta University Confucius Institute
On October 23, 2023, the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University participated in the opening ceremony of the annual Kenyatta University's Cultural Week. The Kenyatta University Confucius Institute's exhibition area was adorned with Chinese knots, lanterns, the Chinese character "Fu" symbolizing good fortune, and informative posters. The exhibition comprised four distinct sections: Chinese calligraphy, a traditional costume experience, a display of traditional musical instruments, and an exhibition on Beijing opera masks. Notably, the "Fun with Chopsticks" table tennis ball game garnered continuous participation throughout the exhibition period.
Professor Paul Wainaina, the Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University, visited KUCI’s booth during the event. The Vice Chancellor participated in activities such as learning to use chopsticks and the chopstick table tennis challenge, the Hulusi- a traditional Chinese instrument, and Beijing opera masks. Professor Paul Wainaina also learned about the meaning of the Chinese characters "山河 无恙" (Shan He Wu Yang) at the Chinese calligraphy booth from Chinese teachers, who also expressed good wishes for the Republic of Kenya. Professor Wainaina acknowledged that the cultural experience deepened his understanding of Chinese culture and expressed the hope for increased student enrollment at the Confucius Institute.
The Chinese traditional costume experience had students donning Tang dynasty-style garments, wielding oiled-paper umbrellas, practicing Tai Chi in Tai Chi attire, and presenting lively performances in costumes representing various ethnic minorities, such as the Uighurs. Concurrently, Chinese volunteer teachers explained the cultural significance of the costumes and assisted students in taking photographs of themselves in the traditional attire
In the "Fun with Chopsticks" table tennis ball game, students exhibited a keen interest in using chopsticks to pick up table tennis balls. Professor Jia Xiaorui helped their learning, and talked about the materials used in making chopsticks, and origins of chopsticks.
In the exhibition of traditional Chinese culture, including ethnic musical instruments and Beijing opera masks, teacher Sheila Mulongo provided detailed explanations of the symbolism behind various colors of Chinese characters, the Chinese character "Fu," Chinese knots, the Hulusi – a Chinese traditional flute and Beijing opera masks. Students actively participated by playing the Hulusi and beating waist drums.
At the Chinese calligraphy booth, Chinese teacher Fan Qingyun wrote the four characters "山河 无恙" (Shan He Wu Yang), conveying good wishes for China and the Republic of Kenya. Many students voluntarily attempted writing the characters and requested for Chinese names. Fan Qingyun graciously assigned and wrote individual Chinese names for them.
The Confucius Institute's booth at Kenyatta University garnered significant attention during Cultural Week, fostering a profound interest in Chinese culture among students. Post-engagement, students actively sought information about the Confucius Institute's courses and cultural activities, expressing their intentions to learn Chinese, understand Chinese culture, and hopefully visit China.
In conclusion, the opening ceremony was a success. The Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University, through its active participation, facilitated a successful cultural interchange and marketing activity.