Final of 12th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Student in Botswana concluded in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana on the evening of July 26th. The 14-year-old contestant Kaone Monate won the special prize for her excellent performance.
It was reported that a total of 8 contestants stepped on the stage of the final this year. They came from Rainbow International High School in Botswana, and one of them has even learned Chinese for less than one year. The final competition consists of two parts: speech and talent show. The participants whose average age is less than 16 have written their own speeches, which include their understanding of China, experiences related to China and the original intention of learning Chinese. The talent show includes kungfu, dancing, poetry recital, singing and other forms.
After winning the prize, Kaone Monate told the reporters that he has studied Chinese for almost one year and he likes Chinese Kungfu and ancient Chinese poetry. Learning Chinese has helped him have a better understanding of China. He would continue to learn Chinese and learn more about China.
Li Han, Director of the Political Section of the Chinese Embassy in Botswana, conveyed his congratulations to all the contestants on their achievements. He said that this year is the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Confucius Institute at Botswana University. Meanwhile, many activities between China and Botswana are also progressing smoothly this year. The inter-government and people-to-people exchanges between China and Botswana are getting closer.
Anderson Chebanne, Director of the College of Humanities at Botswana University, commended the Confucius Institute for its important role in strengthening exchanges between China and Africa, China and Gaborone as well as setting up a bridge for cultural exchanges between China and Gaborone.
The Confucius Institute at Botswana University and Rainbow International High School began their cooperation in May 2013 to set up an elective course of Chinese at Rainbow International High School. Since then the number of students learning Chinese has increased year by year. (cited from Confucius Institute Headquarters, source: Xinhua News Agency, Story by Yang Mengxi)
