Feature: Kenyan scholar lauds China's support towards advancement of arts, culture

A Kenyan scholar has lauded China's support towards advancement of arts and cultural learning in Kenyan universities.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Professor Peter Mbithi said the establishment of Confucius Institute in Kenyan universities has fostered friendship between the two nations and bridged the cultural gap.

"The cooperation between the University of Nairobi and Chinese Embassy started 11 years ago and is growing stronger during which we have also benefited from infrastructural development, provision of human resources, and training," he remarked during the 15th Chinese Bridge Competition held Monday in Nairobi.

"Our members of staff attend class once a week to learn Chinese language and culture lessons once a week. The students taking part in the competition today have learnt the Chinese language and are practicing using the same language. We are all victors because even if one does not win, they can pass the language to someone else," Mbithi said.

Under the theme: "Dreams Enlighten the Future", students of Confucius Institutes from four Kenyan universities took part in the Chinese proficiency competition for foreign students whose winners will be invited to China, with the chances of winning scholarships.

The competitors were tested in their proficiency of the Chinese language, knowledge of China, Chinese cultural skills, and comprehensive abilities.

Mercy Mweni, who performed a cultural dance with her colleagues from the University of Nairobi, said she loves Chinese dress, food, culture and people.

"I dream to master Chinese language and also looking forward to join Tianjin University but before that I would like to tour China and experience its marvels like the Great Wall of China," she said.

She said she got interested in Chinese language after seeing so many banners by Chinese companies that dot several construction sites in Nairobi and hence decided to explore the marvel behind the language.

The overall winner of the competition was 21-year old Ruth Kimani who is a third year student of economics and statistics at the University of Nairobi.

"My father worked for a Chinese firm where there was a language barrier between him and his Chinese colleagues. Whenever I visited him at his place of work I would witness them communicating using sign language, and so my interest was born," she said.

Kimani said she was overwhelmed by her win, although she least expected it. "It is the result of hard work. The success means I am making progress and I thank my teachers who were patient with me even when I was a bit sluggish in class," she said.

Kimani, with her story of a Kenyan girl who loves Chinese culture, will represent Kenya during the finals on a date that will be announced later.

The Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, Yao Ming, who also chaired the panel of judges, said the competition was very stiff and appreciated the efforts of the four Confucius Institutes in training and developing the students to master Chinese language and culture.

"The show made me a little bit homesick. This is not the first time I have officiated at the competition, but today's performance was very dramatic and charming," he remarked.

Yao said ties between Kenya and China are at their highest pinnacle and cultural activities such as the Bridge Competition will continue to narrow the gap.

He said many people from across the globe are visiting China in growing numbers and added that the country welcomes foreigners to explore Chinese culture and learn Chinese language. Endit