Student Jusu Nennee Dawolo and Joannah F. Allen could not hold back excitement moment when they were announced winners for the 23rd “Chinese Bridge competition in Monrovia.
This follow a tense competition where Jusu Nennee Dawolo, Joannah F. Allen, Mishael M Lyanplawon Jr, Chillin Dorcas Mason, Augustine F. Taylor, Jr, Eric Chris Zinnah, Johnson Clarence Seedorf and A. Layee Kelleh showcase their various talent in the competition.
The first prize winner, Jusu Nennee Dawolo, will also have the chance to join the “Chinese Bridge” observation group in China, and the grand prize winner, Joannah F. Allen, will have the chance to represent Liberia in the 23rd “Chinese Bridge” Global finals in China.
Jusu and Joannah with the smile on their faces, couldn’t hold back when they were announced winners of “Chinese Bridge” Proficiency Competition for World College Students or Foreign College Students in Liberia.
“We are so happy to have been selected among many students, we never thought of reaching this far, and it is an honored, we want to say a big thank you to the Chinese Embassy and authorities of the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia for giving Liberians the space to showcase their talent in foreign language especially Chinese. This is laudable.”
As a result, Jusu and Joannah are anticipated to travel to China to represent Liberia in the international competition for international students proficient in Chinese, which is regarded as the Preliminary Rounds in Liberia.
The Chinese Embassy near Monrovia collaborated with the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia (CIUL) to organize the event.
The Institute was founded on December 19, 2008, in collaboration with Changsha University of Science & Technology in Hunan Province, China, and the University of Liberia. Since then, it has been committed to providing Liberians with top-notch Chinese language instruction, significantly enhancing the humanistic exchanges and amicable relations between the two nations.
By teaching languages and fostering cultural contacts, it increases understanding between the peoples of China and Liberia. It has provided more than 20 different kinds of Chinese language and culture courses in an effort to promote multiculturalism.
It has held nearly one thousand various cultural communication activities and attracted over approximately 18,000 students. Among these opportunities, the Summer-camps, Confucius Institute scholarships, and Chinese government scholarships have taken about 300 Liberian undergraduates to China for study.
Language is a bridge and a tie that unites people beyond time and place, according to the Chinese Ambassador, who called this year’s tournament extremely successful and expressed deep admiration for the students’ enthusiasm and confidence.
”Globally, the Chinese community is expanding, and an increasing number of friends from Liberia are joining the effort. As committed language learners, I’m sure you’ve experienced China’s 5,000 years of civilization, the beauty of the Chinese language, the rich history and cultural heritage embodied in each Chinese character, and the values of peace and harmony that are ingrained in the Chinese people’s culture.”
In a statement, Amb. said that as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), President Xi Jinping has put forth the idea of creating a community with a shared future for all people.
”The traditional Chinese ideal of seeking harmony, peace, and win-win collaboration is largely reflected in these new visions. These views assist us in promoting a new kind of security, coexistence, and shared progress by substituting communication, cooperation, and win-win outcomes for conflict, alliance, and a zero-sum mentality.”
The Ambassador gave a brief summary of the “Chinese Bridge,” describing it as a discussion and exchange platform that unites the people of China and Liberia. The bridge has a long history of fostering amicable people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
At present, under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Boakai, China-Liberia relations have entered a new stage, and practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields is promising.
Today’s world is under uncertainty, only by viewing the world as one family, following the principles of mutual respect and seeking common ground while settling differences with others, and promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, can we build a community with a shared future for humanity?
In a statement, the minister of education’s special representative expressed gratitude to the Chinese people and government for their ongoing support of Liberia’s educational system.
“I am currently in awe of the young Liberians who are putting on the Confucius display and speaking Chinese with ease. I hope this is really a rebranding of our long-standing bilateral relationship so that both of us can gain from China as well as from us.
Speaking separately, Dr. Jonathan Taylor, acting president of the University of Liberia, and Mr. Eugene Faghon, director general of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), reaffirmed the commitments of their respective organizations to collaborate with the Chinese government through its embassy in this country in order to advance developments at their respective organizations.
Reported by:Simeon S. Wiakanty
Contact: +231881538878
