On June 5, the Botswana Final of the 6th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Show for Foreign Primary School Students was held at the Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana. Young contestants from different primary schools participated in the competition. Ms. Tao Lili, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Botswana, Prof. Maria Nnyepi, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UB, and a  representative of the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education of Botswana attended and delivered remarks. More than 100 participants, including the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at UB, representatives of Chinese enterprises, the Chinese community, and local Chinese language enthusiasts, were also present.

Ms. Tao Lili noted that language bridges cultures and hearts. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition. Over the past quarter century, more and more young people around the world have come to know, understand, and appreciate China through Chinese, bringing vitality to mutual learning between civilizations. She expressed the hope that more young people in Botswana will find joy and make friends through learning Chinese and grow into young envoys of China-Africa friendship. This year also marks the “China-Africa Year of People-to-people Exchanges”. The Chinese Embassy will continue to host a range of activities to open a new window for local people to experience Chinese culture.