University students were on May 18 called upon to embrace Chinese culture and traditions that will open for them a number of opportunities. This was during an event organised by the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, in partnership with the Chinese embassy in Rwanda. The event brought together different colleges that offer Chinese language, and affiliated to the University of Rwanda. These included College of Science and Technology, College of Business and Economics located in Gikondo and Rukara, and College of Education (KIE), in Remera. This was the 18th edition of the event, which aims at bridging the gap between China and Rwanda, through helping Rwandans adapt the ways of Chinese living. The occasion had different campuses battling out in different aspects of the Chinese culture, such as public speaking, poetry, music, dressing, dancing, and martial arts (kung fu). The winners walked away with Smartphones, as well as trophies and certificates of participation. Children’s Chinese martial art (Kung Fu) left the crowd really ecstatic. / James Peter Nkurunziza Meanwhile, the event was delayed by one and a half hours, from the scheduled time (2pm), because of heavy downpour. However, the activities kicked off in high gear, as different contestants first faced off in reciting poems in Chinese, judges awarded marks. No sooner had the poems ended, than a group of young children, who have mastered the art of Chinese kung fu, emerged on the stage and exhibited their amazing skills that left the crowd in frenzy. Participants during the question and answer session. According to George Njoroge, the Principal of College of Education, having a clear understanding of the Chinese culture and tradition, is one of the biggest advantages a student can have over others. “The moment you have can express yourself freely in Chinese, a number of opportunities such as working and studying in China easily come your way. When applying for a job in a Chinese company and you know the language is an added advantage,” he told the students and other members of the Chinese community in Rwanda during the event. George Njoroge, Principal of UR’s College of Education, addresses the audience at the event. / James Peter Nkurunziza One of the participants, Clementine Uwase, said that she is studying Chinese and wishes to perfect by the end of next year, because she wants to do her Master’s Degree from China. Wang Jiaxin, the Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, noted that the idea of spreading his county’s culture to Africa, and Rwanda in particular, is of an advantage because whoever adapts this culture can easily settle anywhere in China as communication is solved. Wang Jianxin, Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, gives his opening speech. “China is one of the world’s largest economies and many students here will have the chance of enjoying the benefits of knowing the Chinese language and culture as some are already in form of scholarships and job opportunities,” he said. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
