Makerere University holds Chinese language proficiency contest

Makerere University, under the Confucius Institute at Makerere in Kampala on Friday held a Chinese language proficiency contest, dubbed Chinese Bridge.

The first Chinese Bridge contest in Uganda attracted contestants from all the institutes that teach Chinese language in Uganda under the guidance of the Makerere University Confucius Institute.

Sponsored by Chinese firms and associations in Uganda and the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), the competition was organized by the Confucius Institute at Makerere University.

The completion involved presenting speeches in Chinese; question and answer session on China and talent shows on Chinese cultures including chanting verses, singing, dancing and Kung Fu (Chinese martial arts).

Prof. Hong Yong Hong, the Chinese director at the Confucius Institute, said that the competition provide an opportunity for foreign students to know more about China.

"The winner will represent Uganda at the world Chinese language proficiency competition that is slated for July in China," he said.

The deputy director NCDC, Bernadette Nambi commended the competition adding that it will go a long way in supporting the ministry's plan of introducing the language in schools.

 "As you know that we are moving towards introducing the teaching and learning of Chinese language in secondary schools. It is therefore important for us to organise competitions like these in order to assess our abilities in using the language," she said.

She added that the proficiency in the language will help citizens to tap into the jobs present and reduce the number of the unemployed.

James Manzi, a student at Makerere University who emerged the winner of a colourful event said he enjoyed the contest.

"It is a very good opportunity; the competition helps you show your competence and know more about the Chinese language and culture. It also plays a role in creating awareness among others about the Chinese (language)," he said.

The competition drew over 15 participants from Makerere University and other institutes that offer Chinese language.

The Chinese Embassy, political Counsellor Chu Mao Ming congratulated all contestants for their performance.
"The language is a tool of communication, also a key to foreign cultural," he said.

He commended Makerere University for the fruitful partnership, and extolled Chinese teachers and volunteers from Confucius Institute who teach Chinese around the country.