Makerere University’s Freedom Square was illuminated with cultural exchanges and festivities on Saturday, April 20, 2024, as the institution hosted the United Nations International Chinese Language Day.
Organized by the Confucius Institute at Makerere University, the event drew a diverse crowd including secondary school students, undergraduates from Makerere University, and students from Luyanzi Technical Institute Confucius Classroom, among others.
Attendees were treated to a vibrant array of activities celebrating Chinese language and culture. From trying traditional Chinese tea to engaging in Chinese calligraphy, playing musical instruments, and participating in Chinese games offering a rich immersion into the cultural tapestry of China.
Additionally, attendees had access to medical services and guidance from a visiting Chinese medical team, further enriching the experience.
Additionally, attendees had access to medical services and guidance from a visiting Chinese medical team, further enriching the experience.
In his address, the Honorable Minister Counselor from the Chinese embassy, Fan, in Uganda commended Ugandan students proficient in Chinese and their dedication to Chinese-related activities. He underscored the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation between Uganda and China, expressing the Chinese community’s readiness to support talented Ugandan youth proficient in the Chinese language.
Dr. Jessica Atwooki Kaahwa, Vice President (Africa) of the International Theatre Institute Worldwide and a faculty member at Makerere University’s Department of Performing Arts and Film, emphasized the deep friendship between Uganda and China. She expressed her commitment to fostering cultural exchange by advocating for the teaching of Chinese opera in Uganda, seeking collaborative partnerships to realize this vision.
Highlighting the success of the Ugandan Chinese language teachers program, directors of the Confucius Institute commended the program’s fifth cohort. They praised the program’s impact in nurturing talented individuals proficient in Chinese language and martial arts. Additionally, they lauded Ugandan secondary schools that have integrated Chinese language education from grades S.1 to S.6, wishing all students success in their linguistic endeavors for a brighter future.
The event not only celebrated linguistic diversity but also underscored the significance of cultural exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between nations. As part of the United Nations’ initiative to celebrate multilingualism, Chinese Language Day pays homage to the rich cultural heritage and linguistic contributions of China, echoing the sentiment that language is a bridge connecting diverse communities worldwide.
The event space was a vibrant tapestry, interwoven with the threads of both local Ugandans and migrant communities from various nations, seamlessly blending and interacting amidst the fusion of Ugandan and Chinese culture.
