On April 5th local time, the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia organized more than 40 students to visit the China-Aided Liberia Bamboo and Rattan Weaving, Fruit and Vegetable Planting and Livestock Raising Technical Assistance Project (hereinafter referred to as Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Technical Assistance Project) for a cultural exchange and hands-on learning experience. The delegation was led by Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute Zhou Hongzhuan and several faculty members.
They were warmly welcomed by Mr. Xi Feng, Head of African Operations of Shanxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd., Ms. Chen Yuqiong, Team Leader of the Bamboo and Rattan Project, and other team members.
The event is part of a series of activities hosted by the Confucius Institute in celebration of the upcoming 2025 International Chinese Language Day. Bamboo and rattan weaving is a time-honored craft in China, dating back to the Song and Yuan dynasties.
Thanks to generations of skilled artisans, the craft has been continuously passed down and refined, evolving into not only a technical skill but also a cultural symbol—a true gift that transcends time and space.
At the beginning of the event, experts from the project team introduced the history and development of bamboo and rattan weaving in China. They demonstrated the basic techniques and invited students to try their hand at weaving under close guidance.
This immersive experience allowed students to appreciate the beauty and intricacy of this traditional craft.
Many students show strong interest, with some eager to enroll in technical training courses in bamboo and rattan weaving.
This activity not only provided students with a rare opportunity to experience Chinese craftsmanship up close but also deepened their understanding of China-Aided Technical Assistance projects in Liberia.
Participants noted that the visit gave them a stronger appreciation for the precision and practicality of Chinese techniques, as well as a more vivid impression of China’s cultural and technical support.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia（CIUL）has long been committed to promoting cultural exchange between China and Liberia and vocational education in Liberia.
This collaboration with the Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Technical Assistance Project marks another step forward in enhancing cooperation in cultural exchange and skill training.
In the future, CIUL plans to continue organizing such activities, ensuring more students benefit from the outcomes of China’s assistance projects.
Launched in 2007, the Bamboo and Rattan Technical Assistance Project is now in its seventh term, implemented by Shanxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd. in 2024.
The team combines theoretical instruction with practical training to teach local participants skills in bamboo and rattan weaving, vegetable and fruit cultivation, and biogas development.
The project aims to empower Liberians to make full use of local resources to produce local products—contributing to the realization of a “Made in Liberia” future with Chinese expertise and support.
