Kenya is hosting the 2024 Joint Conference of Confucius Institutes in Africa, a three-day event that kicked off Thursday in the capital, Nairobi.
The conference, jointly organized by the China International Foundation for Chinese Language Education, its Confucius Institute and the University of Nairobi, will continue until tomorrow.
The conference aims to promote localization, development, collaboration and innovation of African Confucius Institutes. The conference is being attended by over 100 representatives from diverse Confucius Institutes and independent Confucius Classrooms across Africa.
Distinguished government officials, diplomats, faculty members, and students participated in the inaugural ceremony held at the University of Nairobi. The event marked the establishment of the East African Confucius Institute Alliance and the Kenya chapter of the Tianjin Alumni Association.
At the opening ceremony, Aurelia Rono, the Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, emphasized that the Confucius Institutes play a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and educational collaboration between China and Kenya.
“Through programmes in Mandarin language and Chinese culture, they enrich our educational landscape and contribute to the development of human resources,” she said.
Prof Stephen Kiama, Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nairobi, emphasized that the joint meeting reaffirms the commitment of both Africa and China to surmount cultural and linguistic barriers, fostering mutual exchanges.
According to him, African Confucius Institutes have emerged as centres of excellence, promoting cross-cultural activities essential for creating a world of mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Prof Yang Wei, President of the Chinese International Education Foundation, emphasized that African Confucius Institutes play a pivotal role in enhancing China-Africa friendship and fostering the development of a shared destiny within the China-Africa community.
Aligning with the vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Yang expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with African partners in perpetuating the spirit of friendship and cooperation across generations.
“This is the most important guideline for us to continue to secure the sound cooperation of Confucius Institutes and classrooms. Let us join hands to reinforce exchanges and renew the future,” said Yang.
Since 2005, four Confucius Institutes have been established at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, and Moi University. Over the years, thousands of students have enrolled to pursue studies in Chinese language and culture through these institutes.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi has provided free training to more than 22,000 Kenyans from diverse backgrounds in Chinese language and culture since its inception. Furthermore, over 400 Kenyans have received Chinese government scholarships through the institute.
Confucianism, also known as Ruism or Ru classicism, is a system of thought and behaviour originating in ancient China. It is variously described as a tradition, philosophy (humanistic or rationalistic), religion, theory of government, or way of life.
Confucianism is based on the teachings of Confucius (551 BC – 479 BC), an important Chinese philosopher. It emerged during the 6th–5th century BCE and has been followed by the Chinese people for more than two millennia.
Although transformed over time, Confucianism remains the substance of learning, the source of values, and the social code of the Chinese.
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