2024-09-18
On June 30, 2023, Kenyatta University Confucius Institute, in collaboration with Kenyatta University and Shandong Normal University, successfully launched a Confucius Classroom at the renown Starehe Boys’ Centre and School.
The ceremony was attended by a delegation from Shandong Normal University led by President Zeng Qingliang, Professor Caroline Thoruwa, the DVC (RIO) of Kenyatta University, Josphat Mwaura, the Principal of Starehe Boys' Centre, and the two directors of the Kenyatta University Confucius Institute, Professor Zhou Xiaodong and Dr. Hellen Guantai. Students and teachers from Starehe Boys' Centre and the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University, as well as representatives from the Chinese and Kenyan media, gathered to witness this historic moment. Their presence at the event highlighted the significance of the partnership between Kenyatta University and Shandong Normal University in promoting Chinese language education and cultural exchange.
Shandong Normal University President, Prof. Zeng Qingliang cutting the ribbon, under the watch of Mr. Josphat Mwaura (Starehe Boys’ principal) and Prof. Caroline Thoruwa (KU DVC RIO)
Launch of the Confucius Classroom
The event was divided into two stages. The first session was held in the teaching building of Starehe Boys’ Centre and School The teaching building was decorated with Chinese cultural elements, such as Chinese knotting, creating a festive atmosphere. Prof. Zeng Qingliang, President of Shandong Normal University, unveiled the Confucius Classroom of the Starehe Boys’ Centre and School to everyone's warm applause. Everyone visited the Chinese language classroom together, and Prof. Zeng Qingliang and Prof. Caroline Thoruwa experienced the environment and atmosphere of students attending Chinese language classes and took a group photo.
Prof. Zeng Qingliang and Prof. Caroline Thoruwa having a mock Chinese language experience in the classroom.
The second part was the celebrations, which were held in the auditorium of the Starehe Boys’ Centre and School. Students from the Starehe Boys’ Centre and School and the Confucius Institute of the Kenyatta University performed a variety of wonderful performances, including sitcoms, solos, choruses, dances, lion dances, and won warm applause.
After the performances, Mr. Josphat Mwaura, president of Starehe Boys’ Centre and School, Dr. Hellen Guantai, Professor Zhou Xiaodong, Kenyatta University DVC RIO Professor Caroline Thoruwa, President of Shandong Normal University Zeng Qingliang and others delivered speeches in turn.
In his speech, President Zeng Qingliang spoke highly of the progress made by Starehe Boys’ Centre and School in Chinese language teaching and education, encouraged students to learn Chinese well and seek a bright future for themselves. President Zeng believed that the official launch of the Confucius Classroom in the Starehe Boys’ Centre and School was of great significance.
Prof. Zeng Qingliang, Shandong Normal University President during his speech
Impact on Education and Cultural Exchange
The launching ceremony coincided with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kenya, which is a historic and commemorative observation.
Starehe Boys' Centre, established in 1959, is one of the best boys' high schools in Kenya. The school currently consists of a main campus, an affiliated junior high school, and a third-party educational institution that offers accounting and computer learning. Starehe Boys' Centre has strict admission criteria to ensure the enrollment of the most outstanding students. During the nurturing process, they fully emphasize the academic potential and talents of each student, continuously cultivating excellent talents in Kenya.
The establishment of the Confucius Classroom at Starehe Boys Centre and School is expected to have a profound impact on the students and the wider community. By offering Mandarin language courses and cultural activities, the Confucius Classroom will equip students with valuable language skills and cultural knowledge, opening new opportunities for them in an increasingly interconnected world. Moreover, the initiative will contribute to fostering cultural exchange, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and nurturing a global perspective among students.
Dignitaries posing for a photo with a student after the launching ceremony
Future Prospects:
The launch of the Confucius Classroom is just the beginning of a long-term partnership between Kenyatta University Confucius Institute and Starehe Boys Centre and School. The Confucius Classroom is expected to grow and evolve, providing students with more comprehensive and immersive learning experiences in Chinese language and culture. Additionally, the Kenyatta University Confucius Institute will continue to collaborate with other educational institutions and organizations to expand the reach of Chinese language education and promote cultural exchange across Kenya and beyond.