Guests at the competition cheering on contestants
Twelve students from the University of Ghana and other universities recently participated in the 22nd "Chinese Bridge", a Chinese Proficiency competition held at the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana.
The Chinese Proficiency Competition is a large-scale international contest organised by the Center for Language and Education in China. The programme provides a platform for Chinese learners globally to showcase their Chinese Language skills, share their learning experiences, assess their learning outcomes, and build bridges of friendship across the globe.
One of the contestants at the competition
Since its inception in 2002, the competition has become a popular international event among Chinese learners worldwide. However, this year's competition was exceptional, as the contestants delivered thrilling and captivating performances that left the audience in awe. Julia Duncan, a level 400 student of the University of Ghana studying Chinese, emerged as the winner. She received sponsorship packages from Huawei, Oraimo, Sunda International, and Xuyom International Logistics and will represent Ghana in the final competition in China.
During the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, highlighted the significance of the Chinese Bridge Competition as the flagship activity of the Confucius Institute. She emphasised that it serves as a bridge for students studying Chinese at the University of Ghana and other universities in Ghana to realise their Chinese dreams. She also commended the Confucius Institute for their relentless efforts in organising the competition even during the pandemic.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
Prof. Amfo expressed the expectation, that following the lifting of the ban on all COVID-19 protocols, that the University of Ghana's Year Abroad Programme for students in the Chinese section will resume fully. She emphasised the importance of students having the opportunity to visit China to improve their proficiency in the Chinese Language and learn more about the culture and society. “These experiences are essential for building bridges between Ghanaians and Chinese, fostering peaceful collaborations and relationships in the world of work and business, especially as Chinese enterprises continue to increase their presence in Ghana,” she stated.
Some contestants that participated in the competition
The Vice-Chancellor also applauded the dignitaries who served as judges and expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for their support over the years.
Delivering the welcome address earlier, Prof. Wang Jimin, Director of the Confucius Institute, provided a brief history of the competition and wished all the contestants the best of luck. He expressed hope that the competition would deepen the relationship between the two countries and thanked the sponsors for their significant contribution to the programme's success.
Prof. Wang Jimin, Director of the Confucius Institute, in performance with one of the contestants
President of the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies, Mr. Tang Houg, who delivered a brief speech at the event, mentioned that education has been a primary force nurturing China-Ghana friendship for over 63 years.
He highlighted the global significance of the Chinese Language, being spoken by 40% of the population. Mr. Tang praised the Chinese teachers at the Confucius Institute and the students for their hard work.
President of the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies, Mr. Tang Houg
Emphasising that the aim of the competition is to foster friendship, peace, and cooperation, Madam Lou Dan Zhu from the Chinese Embassy in Ghana noted that China has been a major partner for Ghana in job creation and economic development.
A group photo of dignitaries at the competition
The programme was attended by Prof. Rosina Kyeremanteng, the Dean of Student Affairs, as well as other deans, directors, teachers, and students of the Confucius Institute. Representatives from other universities and the Chinese community were also present.
