On November 4, the Confucius Classroom at Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre at the South African celebrated its 10th anniversary. A delegation from Shanghai Sanda University, led by President Chen Yiyi, attended the event, consisting of three members. The ceremony was attended by South African government officials, representatives from educational institutions, and over seventy teachers and students from the Confucius Institute teaching centre.
The delegation also visited the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
The celebration began with a performance of the song Listen to Me, Thank You by students from Waterkloof Primary School, expressing their love for Chinese culture and gratitude to its supporters. In his congratulatory speech, Education Counsellor Li Xudong of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa stated: “As a bridge for cultural exchange between China and South Africa, the the Confucius Classroom at Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre has not only promoted language learning but also deepened the understanding and friendship between the people of our two countries.”
Mr. Albert Chanee, Deputy Director-General of the Gauteng Department of Education, also delivered a speech during the celebration. He emphasised: “The Confucius Institute Classroom has made a significant contribution to South Africa’s educational development. We look forward to continuing our cooperation in the future and further advancing cultural exchanges between China and South Africa to a deeper level.”
“The Confucius Classroom at Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre has achieved a series of remarkable accomplishments over the years, and in 2018, it was awarded the title of 'Global Advanced Confucius Institute Classroom.' I am confident that both China and South Africa can continue to build on the existing strengths and unique features of the classroom, providing more high-quality teaching services to those in South Africa who love the Chinese language and culture.” President Chen Yiyi of Shanghai Sanda University shared his congratulations and expectations for the 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute Classroom.
Following the speeches, Dr. Lu Zhilei, the Foreign Director of the Confucius Classroom at Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre, delivered a keynote speech on Sino-South African vocational and technical exchange and cooperation, as well as addressing youth employment issues in South Africa. Dai Wenhung, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute Classroom, summarized the achievements of the classroom over the past ten years and outlined its vision for future development. She mentioned, “In the future, the classroom will continue to focus on cultivating talents with an international perspective and cross-cultural communication skills, contributing to the friendly relations and cooperation between China and South Africa.”
The highlight of the event was the passionate and lively performances by South African Chinese language learners and volunteer teachers from the the Confucius Classroom at Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre, showcasing their accomplishments in learning Chinese, cultural knowledge, and the arts. A series of performances, including a violin solo, South African ethnic dance, traditional Chinese instrument performances, African drumming, and street dance, vividly demonstrated the fusion of Chinese and South African cultures and the educational achievements of the Confucius Institute Classroom.
Volunteer teacher representative Yang Yu shared his teaching experiences and deep insights on cultural exchange during the celebration: “In the future, I will continue to invest my full passion and energy into Chinese language teaching and the promotion of Chinese culture. I hope that my partners and I will continue to contribute to the path of 'Chinese language promotion' in South Africa and write a new chapter of 'diligence, practicality, and hard work.”
Ms. Monyai, Principal of Waterkloof Primary School, affirmed the classroom's achievements, saying, “Over the past eight years, the Chinese language teaching at the Confucius Classroom in Waterkloof Primary School has taken root and flourished, opening a window for the children to learn Chinese and understand China, while building a bridge of friendship between China and South Africa.”
In addition, the ceremony included the unveiling of the “China-South Africa Tourism/Culture/Art Products/Research and Development Center.” Li Li, Assistant to the President of Shanghai Sanda University, Director of the International Exchange Office, and Director of the Confucius Institute Office, stated, “The establishment of this center is in response to China's 'Belt and Road' initiative, promoting economic and cultural exchange and cooperation between China and South Africa, and contributing to the development of bilateral relations.”
The celebration concluded successfully at 5.00pm. The Confucius Classroom at Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre will continue to serve as an important platform for Sino-South African cultural exchange, nurturing cultural ambassadors and promoting friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
On November 6th, President Chen Yiyi and his delegation from Shanghai Sanda University visited the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. The faculty members, including deans and professors from the International Exchange Office, School of Education, and School of Engineering, responded enthusiastically, asking many questions and expressing their eagerness to engage in various forms of exchange and cooperation!
Written by: Qingchao Wang, Yu Yang
Confucius Classroom at Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre