Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: China Radio International (CRI)-Millennium Confucius Classroom in collaboration with the embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Cultural Counselor Office Islamabad marked the fifth anniversary of Confucius Institute Day and the 69th Anniversary of China at Roots Millennium Schools (RMS) Wahid Campus F-10/2, Islamabad.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing graced the occasion as chief guest, accompanied by Chinese Cultural Counselor You Yi, First Secretary Pan Yuqi and CRI Confucius Classroom Pakistan Director Chen Xiang.

Students of RMS Wahid Campus dressed up in alluring Chinese cultural attire embellished with gold ornaments sang a welcome song for the ambassador and guests. Dozens of flag-bearing pupils lined up the pathway, where His Excellency Yao Jing was welcomed by a Dragon Dance which symbolises good luck to the community in Chinese culture.

Chinese Language Department Manager Mona Kanwal formally greeted Ambassador Yao Jing by sharing his extensive diplomatic profile with the parental community, faculty and students. The ceremony started with a brief welcome note by communications & outreach director Sabina Zakir. Kung Fu fighting performance and Confucius sayings presented by students were the highlights of the event, which also highlighted Confucius Day, where the ambassador had a guided tour to the Chinese cultural stalls which executed diversity through inclusive Chinese culture. The cultural stalls were a true depiction of rich Chinese culture and traditions. CRI-Millennium Confucius Classroom displayed Chinese paper cutting, calligraphy, Chinese traditional hair ornaments, Chinese Domino, Chinese games, chopsticks usage, Tai Chi martial arts and Chinese food stalls. The Chinese ambassador enjoyed calligraphy and played table tennis with the students of Wahid Campus.

Speaking at the event, chief guest Yao Jing appreciated the efforts put in by the students and faculty for organising Confucius Institute Day and China National Day at RMS. His Excellency also appreciated the contribution of CRI-Millennium Confucius Classroom towards Chinese Cultural Exchange Programmes as people to people exchange is the key to strengthening the deep rooted friendship of Pakistan and China. His Excellency extended his warm wishes and support to the CRI-Millennium Confucius Classroom and students.

CRI-Roots Millennium Confucius Classroom offers Chinese language classes across RMS, in the private sector, with the aim of allowing the students to get linguistically literate and culturally competent. Millennium Chinese Language Department has now 18 full time teachers and nearly 9,000 students learning Chinese language. This has promoted cultural, social, business and educational opportunities among China and Pakistan for the benefit of future generations.

Published in Daily Times, September 29^th 2018.