On 28th September, 2022 staff and students of KUCI congregated at the multifunctional hall of the LCC building to mark the 2022 Confucius Institute Day. This is an important day celebrated by students of Chinese mandarin globally. The Centre for International Chinese Education, headquartered in Beijing China and affiliated to the Chinese Government promotes Chinese language and culture, supports local Chinese teaching internationally and facilitates cultural exchange through Confucius Institutes. This day is key in celebrating achievements made in fulfilling these mandates.
Speaking on behalf of KUCI’s partner University Shandong Normal, Prof. Zhou Lianyong Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Office of Shandong Normal University and Director of the Confucius Institute Office, hailed Kenyatta University for supporting the teaching of Chinese language in Kenya. In his good will message, shared via video, Prof. Zhou said that there has been great partnership between KU and Shandong Normal University over the years and he looked forward to greater collaborations. He said his University will keep on supporting teaching and research around Chinese language and aid staff and student exchange for the mutual benefit of both universities and nations.
Special guests of this year’s Confucius Institute Day celebrations were high school students from Naivasha Girls. The girls displayed a keen interest for Chinese language which they confessed was very foreign to them. Lecturers gave them quick lessons in writing simple Chinese calligraphy and speaking basic phrases. They also sampled Chinese tea and the art of using chopsticks. As much as Chinese language is not taught as a foreign language at their school, the girls were glad to have visited and learnt about its relevance in the current job market.
Speaking on behalf of Confucius Institute board members, Dr. Martin Ogolla encouraged students to keep practicing their language skills and also take advantage of scholarship opportunities offered by the University. He said taking Chinese learning all the way to China makes a graduate more competitive and opens up more opportunities to learn and do international exchange with colleagues from China.
Some of the entertainment pieces enjoyed included; lion dance, Taiji and Chinese songs as performed by students at the Institute. The highlight of the celebrations was a fashion show segment organized by students of KUCI. They displayed a wide variety of traditional Chinese clothing featuring pieces worn even thousands of years ago.
KUCI Chinese lecturer Lorna Duoduo lectures the audience on different traditional Chinese clothing as showcased by the models
KUCI Director Dr. Hellen Kiende Guantai and Dr. Martin Ogolla try out Chinese calligraphy
Students of KUCI participate in calligraphy
One of the lottery winners receive their price from KUCI Director Dr. Hellen Kiende Guantai
Students from Naivasha Girls try their hands on Chinese calligraphy
KUCI Taiji Tuan in action
Group photo with Naivasha Girls High School
Dr. Martin Ogolla speaking on behalf of KUCI board
MC of the day, Ms. Ruth Achieng’ KUCI Adminsitrator
Students of Naivasha Girls high school listening keenly to proceedings