Latest news with #Xinhua
The Star
32 minutes ago
- Health
- The Star
Chinese medical team, peacekeepers donate essentials to orphans in South Sudan
NAIROBI, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The 12th batch of the Chinese medical team, in partnership with the 11th Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion in South Sudan, on Friday donated essential goods to orphaned children at the Confident Children out of Conflict (CCC) Orphanage. The group donated milk powder, mosquito nets, maize flour, washing powder, books, school bags, soap, flip-flops, tables, and chairs, among other items. Robert Bida Samson, executive director of the CCC, a charity organization, said support from the Chinese medical teams over the past years has helped ease the burden of taking care of these children. "The Chinese medical teams have stood with the CCC, making sure that all the children receive medical services, screening them both here at the center and also in Juba Teaching Hospital when the sickness is too serious," Bida said during the donation ceremony in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The ceremony, held under the theme "One Sky One Dream," coincided with the celebration of the 100th visit of the Chinese medical team to orphanages in South Sudan. Established in 2007, the center is home to orphans, abandoned children, and survivors of revenge attacks and gender-based violence. Bida commended the regular visits by the Chinese medical team, noting that these are critical to their longstanding partnership, which has empowered many vulnerable children at the center. "Some of these children are soon finishing school. I urge that through your empowerment, some of them could get employed at Juba Teaching Hospital to share responsibility with you," he said. Gift Gibson Natana, deputy director general at Juba Teaching Hospital, commended the Chinese medical team for their dedication to providing medical services to orphans and communities in remote areas. "These programs benefit tens of thousands of vulnerable people," Natana said. The 12th batch of the Chinese medical team, prior to visiting the CCC, also visited Juba Orphanage and Rock City Orphanage. Liu Hongyong, commander of the Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), expressed hope that the support provided to the children would empower them to realize their future dreams. "We wish the children of the orphanage a joyful International Children's Day. May this contribution add color to their lives and wings to their dreams. May they grow up healthy and strong," Liu said. Huo Ying, deputy chief of mission at the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan, expressed her gratitude to the Chinese medical team and the Chinese peacekeeping force for their contribution toward peace and development in South Sudan. "These contributions made by the Chinese medical team have been a valuable legacy in bilateral friendship," Huo said. She noted that the Chinese peacekeeping forces are participating in the UN peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, while the Chinese medical team is protecting the public health security of the South Sudanese. Huo also commended the contributions of Chinese companies toward the development of South Sudan, stressing that the Chinese people will always be the friends of the South Sudanese people.
The Star
32 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
"Chinese Bridge" competitions held for primary, secondary school students in Nepal
KATHMANDU, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The final rounds of "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competitions for primary- and secondary-school students in Nepal were held on Friday in Lalitpur, a city in the Kathmandu Valley. Ten finalists competing in the fifth "Chinese Bridge" Chinese show for foreign primary school students shared in speeches their rich experiences and thoughts about learning the Chinese language. They demonstrated their Chinese cultural talents through songs, dances, paper-cutting, calligraphy and Wushu rhythmic exercises. Another ten finalists competed on the same stage but in the 18th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for foreign secondary school students. While most speeches were themed on "Fly High With Chinese," one touched upon Oracle bone inscriptions, or Jiaguwen, an ancient Chinese language named for its inscriptions on tortoise shells and animal bones, while the other displayed a clapper talk show. In addition to talent shows featuring songs, dances, kung fu, sword-dance, paper-cutting, Chinese tongue twister and playing of bamboo flute, the secondary-school contestants had an extra contest over their knowledge of Chinese culture. Ashlesha Adhikari and Aarogya Niraula outcompeted the others in the competitions and shall travel to China for the global finals for primary- and secondary-school students, respectively.
The Star
32 minutes ago
- The Star
Chinese proficiency competition held in South Africa
CAPE TOWN, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The South Africa finals of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students took place on Friday in Cape Town, the country's legislative capital, where participants showcased remarkable language abilities and cultural talents. Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa and organized by the "Chinese Bridge" Club in Cape Town, the event was co-sponsored by Confucius Institutes across the country. This year's competition, themed "One World, One Family," consisted of three segments: a quiz on China-related knowledge, a Chinese language proficiency contest, and a showcase of Chinese cultural talents. Fifteen university students won rounds of applause and cheers from the audience. Thakane Masia, a second-year student from Rhodes University, emerged as the winner. Masia, whose Chinese name is Ma Kaini, will represent South Africa in the global finals to be held in China. Masia said the competition was intense and that all contestants performed well. She expressed her pride in winning first place and noted the value of Chinese as one of the official languages of the United Nations. Masia believed her Chinese language skills will be an asset in her future career. "With my politics degree, I also know Chinese. I can communicate with a lot of different people. It can also help if I have business or political engagement with China in the future," she said. In a video message, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng highlighted the role of language cooperation as a key part of people-to-people exchanges. "As an important component of people-to-people exchanges, language cooperation between China and South Africa empowers mutual understanding between our peoples and contributes to the enduring friendship between our two nations," he noted. Wu expressed hope for the contestants to find inspiration in the beauty of the Chinese language, form lasting friendships, and become active ambassadors for China-South Africa friendship and cooperation. Tang Chang'an, deputy consul general of the Chinese Consulate-General in Cape Town, attended the event, saying that language is not just about grammar or vocabulary -- it is about understanding, connection, and respect. "Through your effort and your interest in language and culture, you are helping build a stronger, more connected world," he added, encouraging the contestants to continuously bridge diverse cultures through the power of language, friendship, and shared dreams. Wu Changhong, chairperson of the "Chinese Bridge" Club in Cape Town, described the competition as a celebration of language and culture. She praised the participants for demonstrating excellent language proficiency and a deep appreciation of Chinese culture. "The event not only enhanced students' language abilities but also fostered cross-cultural understanding and built bridges between people," she said.
The Star
33 minutes ago
- General
- The Star
Zimbabwean students showcase language skills at Chinese proficiency contest
HARARE, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese language learners in Zimbabwe on Friday showcased their language skills during the 24th "Chinese Bridge" competition organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare, the country's capital. Drawing participants from primary schools, high schools, and colleges, the competition consisted of a speech in Chinese and a talent show. Kudakwashe Makoni, a student of political science and diplomacy at the University of Zimbabwe, stood out with his grasp of the Chinese language and knowledge of Chinese culture. He told Xinhua that the Chinese language serves not only as a practical skill to learn in a globalized world, but also as a bridge between the two countries. "Learning Chinese provides huge opportunities for Zimbabweans. You can get scholarships to study in China, and also, with the rapidly growing Chinese economy, there is an opportunity for trade, so we can leverage the opportunity to create an amicable relationship between Zimbabwe and China," he said. Thandeka Risinamhodzi, a high school student from Harare, was elated to be crowned the champion in the high school students' segment. "Chinese is a very exciting language that you can learn. Learning Chinese benefits in many ways, like in Zimbabwe, most things involve the Chinese, like job opportunities," she said. Makoni and Risinamhodzi will represent Zimbabwe at the international finals of the "Chinese Bridge" competition in China later this year. In his address to the contest, Attwell Mamvuto, pro-vice-chancellor for academic affairs and administration at the University of Zimbabwe, said the competition not only celebrates linguistic excellence, but also marks the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries. "Learning a new language opens doors to new opportunities, fosters understanding, and builds bridges between people from different backgrounds. The Chinese language, with its rich history and vast number of speakers, is a particularly valuable asset. It also augurs well with the University of Zimbabwe's strategic thrust on the internationalization agenda as well as academic and cultural exchanges," he said. Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the growing number of Zimbabweans learning Chinese demonstrates the language's global prominence and the importance and vitality of the enduring partnership between China and Zimbabwe. "This year, as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of China-Zimbabwe diplomatic relations, which are rooted in solidarity, shared aspiration, and mutual benefit, we also celebrate decades of our joint achievements, which include the robust educational and cultural collaboration between our two countries," Zhou added.
The Star
33 minutes ago
- General
- The Star
Zambia hosts national final of Chinese language proficiency competition
LUSAKA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia on Friday hosted the final round of the Chinese language proficiency competition. The event featured 10 students competing in the final of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in Zambia, and nine students in the 18th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students in Zambia. Participants demonstrated their proficiency in the Chinese language and showcased their knowledge of Chinese culture through poetry recitations and performances of Chinese pop songs. Speaking at the opening of the event, Wang Sheng, minister counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, said the Chinese Bridge competition serves not only as a platform for language and cultural expression, but also as a bridge connecting China with the rest of the world. He encouraged the students to use the competition as a springboard for continuous personal development and cultural exchange. "I hope that through the Chinese Bridge competition, more and more Zambian youth will develop a passion for the Chinese language, master it, and gain a deeper appreciation of China from a multidimensional and comprehensive perspective," he said. Wang further said China and Zambia are all-weather friends and that cooperation in all sectors, including people-to-people exchanges, has grown, guided by the principles of mutual respect, equality, and common development. He urged young people to embrace the development opportunities brought about by the friendship between the two countries through learning the Chinese language. Felix Masiye, acting vice-chancellor of the University of Zambia, praised the Chinese language for being a vital bridge that connects nations and cultures, facilitates access to technology and business, and fosters people-to-people relationships. Masiye commended the Confucius Institute for its role in promoting the learning of Chinese in Zambia and for training local teachers. He said such efforts would significantly contribute to the widespread teaching and adoption of the language across the country. Mubanga Museba, a student at Kasama Girls Secondary School in northern Zambia, emerged victorious in the secondary school category. She expressed her joy over the victory, noting that the outcome was unexpected given the high level of competition among the contestants. Museba said she began learning Chinese out of love and passion for the language, as well as a desire for self-development.
