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A bit of scholars on the Confucius Institute on the College of Nairobi and the Defence Forces College of Schooling and Languages holding plates of Moon Desserts they’ve ready to have a good time Mid-Autumn Competition. PHOTO| Tebby Otieno
The Confucius Institute on the College of Nairobi remodeled right into a vibrant hub of cultural change and celebration as Kenyan college students immersed themselves within the Chinese language Mid-Autumn Competition.
Gathered in teams, these enthusiastic college students eagerly discovered the artwork of crafting Moon Desserts, a beloved delicacy that’s an integral a part of the Mid-Autumn Competition in Chinese language custom.
The occasion was designed to foster stronger people-to-people connections, promote cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen bonds past governmental relations.
Deborah Nasimiyu, a instructor proficient in Chinese language and Kiswahili at State Home Women, shared her ideas whereas making ready Moon Desserts: “I’m studying how one can make a moon cake for the primary time, however I’ve tasted it earlier than. I like cake usually, however the style of the moon cake is totally different as a result of it isn’t sugary.”
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The festivities went past culinary delights. Members additionally engaged in setting up vibrant lanterns, loved Chinese language video games, and danced to a mixture of Chinese language and Kenyan songs.
Johnson Gitau, a scholar on the College of Nairobi (UoN), emphasised the dear classes in teamwork the occasion supplied: “As a scholar and a member who has helped facilitate this pageant, we attempt to convey folks collectively, particularly throughout this time whereby Kenyans and Chinese language folks work together and change cultures so the Kenyans be taught concerning the Chinese language cultures.”
Past the Mid-Autumn Competition, which has its roots within the historical worship of the sky and the moon, conventional Chinese language tradition contains three different main festivals: the Spring Competition, Qingming Competition, and Dragon Boat Competition.
Kenyan college students collaborating in people-to-people change applications have gained publicity to totally different cultures. Milina Kimenye, a UoN scholar pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialisation in Accounting, shared her journey: “The Chinese language dance membership is a means of exploring different cultures. After we dance, we all the time put ourselves as Chinese language. We’re doing Chinese language tradition as a result of we do it the Chinese language means.”
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The Mid-Autumn Competition holds immense significance in Chinese language tradition, falling on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Chinese language lunar calendar when the moon shines its brightest. This celestial occasion symbolises household unity, a time for households and buddies to return collectively, savor moon desserts, illuminate lanterns, revel within the full moon’s brilliance, and partake in cassia wine.
Prof. Wang Shangxue, the Chinese language Director of the Confucius Institute on the College of Nairobi, shared its significance: “On that day, the moon is brightest, and in addition the total moon means a form of household reunion. When the form is spherical in Chinese language, it means good luck and a contented household. We arrange this big day to have a good time the reunion of the Chinese language and Kenyans to characterize the long-term relationship and friendship between Kenya and China.”
Along with festivities, the scholars additionally delved into the intricacies of Chinese language language and pronunciation by a fascinating poem-teaching session led by their academics.
Chinese language language programs usually are not restricted to universities; they’re additionally provided full-time on the Defence Forces College of Schooling and Languages in collaboration with the Chinese language Embassy in Kenya.
This initiative varieties a part of the federal government’s efforts to bolster relations with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and learners are making spectacular strides, some reaching stage two of proficiency.
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