The Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia celebrated its annual Confucius Institute Day recently, with various cultural activities and educational events aimed at promoting the Chinese language and culture in Liberia.
This year’s celebration, held in September attracted students, educators, and members of the community, all eager to participate and learn more about the rich history of Chinese heritage.
The theme for this year’s event, “Bridging Cultures, Building Futures,” resonated with the purpose of the Confucius Institutes worldwide, which aim to foster educational cooperation and cultural exchange between China and various countries. Since its establishment, the Confucius Institute in Liberia has played a vital role in enhancing understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture among Liberians.
The program kicked off with an opening ceremony featuring speeches from prominent figures, including the Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia Dexter S. Sumo, and Co-Director Zhou Hongzhuan.
Director Sumo said that cultural exchange has deepened the friendship and strengthened cooperation between China and Liberia. He said the work done here at the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia shows their commitment to building bridges between Liberia and China.
According to Director Sumo, the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia, also known by the acronym “CIUL”, offers undergraduate or bachelor’s degrees in the Chinese Language, including diploma and certificate programs.
He explained that those wishing to study the Chinese language as a major or minor area of concentration stand to benefit from the Confucius Institute scholarship for one academic year of study in China.
He encouraged Liberians to take a great interest in the Chinese language by enrolling in the various programs offered by the CIUL in Liberia.
“There are some Liberians who are currently in China at different universities pursuing their bachelor’s and master’s programs, following their graduation from the CIUL. Some have even traveled to China for a summer fellowship”, Director Sumo added.
As part of the festivities, Liberians participated in various activities, including Chinese calligraphy, and the 2024 “Voice of Liberia” Chinese Song Competition.
Students showcased their language skills through songs in Mandarin, thus captivating the audience with their proficiency and enthusiasm.
For her part, Co-Director Zhou Hongzhuan expressed delight at the 20th Confucius Institute Day in Liberia.
Co-director Zhou giving the history of the institute revealed that the Confucius Institute was established over 20 years ago in 2004, and since then, been involved with Chinese language learning, including cultural communication between China and other countries.
“Today is the 20th birthday of the Confucius Institute, and we are also celebrating the 16th anniversary of the institute at the University of Liberia”, co-director Zhou Hongzhuan stressed.
Co-director Zhou Hongzhuan added that Chinese language teaching has been the platform for mutual learning and cultural exchange among different countries, and to promote people-to-people exchange and friendship among countries.
Regarding the 2024 “Voice of Liberia” Chinese Song Competition, student Aisha D. Lansang emerged as the grand winner of the competition. Other winners included Mariama P. Kamara, Janet Sheriff, Victor Myers, Chillin Dorcas Mason, Hannah W. Johnson, and Emmanuel M. Chea among others.
The success of this year’s Confucius Institute Day underscores the importance of promoting cross-cultural dialogue in an increasingly interconnected world, reminding participants that while diverse, people around the globe share common aspirations for education, friendship, and understanding.
