Xiangtan University Hosts Ugandan Educators Delegation from the Xiangtan University–Makerere University Confucius Institute

Written byXu Jin, Zhang Xiaohu

Edited byLi Wenwen

Translated by Li Wenqiang, Huang Can

Source: Office of International Exchange

On the morning of September 3, Xiangtan University welcomed a delegation of Ugandan educators organized by the Xiangtan University–Makerere University Confucius Institute.Liu Jianping and Yu Zuguo, Vice Presidents of Xiangtan University, attended the event, together with Grace Baguma, Director of the National Curriculum Development Centre under Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports, and Gu Zhibo, Director of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University. Representatives from International ExchangeSchool ofXiangtan University and 14 educators from Uganda also took part.

On behalf of the university, Yu Zuguo extended a warm welcome to the Ugandanguestsand gave a detailed introduction to the university’s history and development. A representative of International ExchangeSchool ofXiangtan University briefed the delegation on the specific arrangements for the series of activities during the visit.

Baguma expressed gratitude for China’slong-standing support and assistance to the development of Uganda’s education sector, and voiced his expectation for deeper cooperation between China and Uganda in educational exchanges and academic research in the future.

Gu Zhibo stated that with the joint efforts of Xiangtan University and Makerere University, the Confucius Institute has enabled more African people to learn the Chinese language and understand Chinese culture through promoting international Chinese language education and holding cultural experience activities, and that China-Uganda educational cooperation has achieved gratifying results.

At the welcome ceremony, the two sides exchanged gifts andposed fora group photo.

Liu Jianping delivered a special lecture entitledtitled “A Rich Tapestry of Hunan’s Historical and Cultural Resources.”He introduced Hunan's geographical location and cultural resources, provided a detailed interpretation of Hunanhumanistic spirit and reform and construction experience from the dimensions of uniqueness, diversity, scarcity and cultural connotation.He also shared vivid stories about Mao Zedong, described as a pioneer of China-Africa friendship. The lecture, delivered in an accessible and engaging style, was well received by the Ugandan guests. A performance of the classic Hunan folk songLiuyang Riverwon warm applause and resonated strongly with the audience in its evocation of educational advancement, reform and opening up, and the spirit of striving.

The event also featured lively exchanges and discussions between the two sides. Charles, Principal of Ndejje Senior Secondary School in Uganda, noted that he had benefited greatly from the special cultural lecture. It gave him an in-depth understanding of the national spirit embodied by the Chinese people in their long-term struggle, and fostered a stronger interest in the history and culture of Hunanas well as China’s development experience.

The 2023 Ugandan Educators DelegationtoXiangtan University willstayfor 10 days. Sponsored by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education and hosted by Xiangtan University, the program includes Chinese language classes, China-Uganda educational and cultural exchanges, and visits exploring Chinese history and culture. It aims to help Ugandan educators gain a better understanding of contemporary China’s education system, promote the development of international Chinese language education, build a bridge for educational exchange between China and Uganda, and advance closer people-to-people ties and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations.