Feature: Kenya's mandarin teacher vows to promote Sino-Africa cultural cooperation

Kenya's Ruth Njeri's scholarly prowess can be instantly recognized by acquaintances, yet the popular Chinese language teacher at the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute has a humble and friendly disposition.

The young Kenyan female is not only ambitious, but has a versatility that has made it possible for her to integrate easily with people from different cultures, creed and socio-economic strata.

During an interview with Xinhua on Friday at the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute, Njeri recounted sweet memories of a sojourn to China to pursue a lifelong dream.

"My first visit to China was in 2006 when I got an opportunity to participate in the Chinese bridge competition. A year later, I obtained a scholarship from Tianjin normal university to study Chinese language and culture," Njeri said.

During her four year stint in China, Njeri was exposed to new and exciting experiences that broadened her worldviews.

"At the University, I also engaged in extra-curricular activities like travelling to new destinations. I also watched so many television programs and participated in competitions," said Njeri.

Her audacious and versatile spirit won her many admirers in the university and adjacent communities.

Njeri had nurtured the dream of exploring the outside world since her formative age and a sojourn in China was a watershed moment.

Determined to prove doomsayers wrong, Njeri burnt the midnight oil to study the Chinese language and managed to master it within a short span.

Before she left for China, Njeri had interacted with many people who had different perception of the Middle Kingdom.

According to Njeri, Kenyans' understanding of China was limited due to geographical distance and a colonial legacy.

"The limited knowledge about China in my homeland triggered a desire to explore deeper during my stay there. I made so many friends in the university and the community who taught me the rich culture," Njeri told Xinhua.

Travelling in the provinces with Chinese friends broadened her understanding of an ancient civilization whose imprint is still felt across east Africa.

"I decided to immerse in Chinese way of life and some of the misconception about the country and its peoples vanished. Interactions with people from all walks of life made it possible to gain knowledge on China," said Njeri.

After proving her mettle during the undergraduate studies, Njeri was awarded a scholarship to study international politics at masters' level.

It was during her post graduate studies that she gained new confidence and courage to broaden her understanding of China, its people, culture, cuisine and system of politics.

"I spoke to scholars and eminent persons who enlightened me about Chinese rich culture and cohesive political system that has withstood internal and external fissures for decades," Njeri told Xinhua.

She revealed that during her post graduate studies, the desire to become a goodwill ambassador to promote Sino-Africa cultural understanding lingered.

Her popularity with students and faculty members at the university went notch higher thanks to a flexible and warm demeanor.

Njeri`s adventurous spirit won her recognition from influential people who facilitated her participation in landmark events.

"In 2011 and 2013, I participated in the annual spring festival gala, a very important event watched by more than one billion people. Afterwards, I was invited by Ambassador's spouses in Beijing to be a master of ceremony during their events," Njeri disclosed to Xinhua.

She finally returned to Kenya in August 2014 having acquired vital skills that would be utilized to establish a bridge connecting two different cultures.

Immediately she landed in Kenya, Njeri was determined to use knowledge acquired in China to transform the lives of the country' s youth.

Currently stationed at the University of Nairobi`s Confucius Institute where she teaches mandarin, Njeri is optimistic that Sino-Africa cooperation in diverse fields will blossom for the long haul.

"It would be great and satisfying to witness lives of people being transformed through learning of different cultures and languages. China is a power to reckon with and here in Africa, we can learn vital lessons on its path to renaissance," said Njeri.

At the Confucius institute, Njeri has devoted her energies to enlighten Kenyan youth and adults about an ancient civilization.

She teaches mandarin to 50 students and staff members at the University of Nairobi.

Njeri`s dedication to duty has increased appreciation of Chinese language and culture among Kenyan youth.

"Based on my personal experience, I have encouraged students to study Chinese language and dispel the myth that it is difficult. So far, I'm impressed by the students` progress," Njeri told Xinhua.

She plans to become a goodwill ambassador to promote Sino- Africa people to people exchanges.

"I would like to pursue cultural diplomacy to enhance understanding of close allies. My desire is to witness many Kenyans visiting China not just in the industrial hubs but also in archeological sites to gain new insight about the country," Njeri said.

She noted that African people who visit China return to the continent having gained rich knowledge about how the Asian giant accelerated industrial progress. Endi