Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Several Ugandan schools have showcased their dedication to learning the Chinese language and culture by winning major awards at the Third Chinese Song Competition in Kampala. Among the participating schools were Ndejje Senior Secondary School, which produced the overall winner in the secondary schools category, as well as other secondary schools, Makerere University, and tertiary institutions. The Charge d’Affairs ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, Fan Xuecheng, praised Ugandans for embracing the Chinese language and culture, emphasizing that people-to-people and cultural exchanges play a significant role in China-Uganda relations.
Irene Ayinza Nabatte, a Senior Four student at Ndejje Senior Secondary School, won the Third Chinese Song Competition in the secondary schools category with her performance of a song titled “My Future is Not a Dream.” She encouraged Ugandans, especially students, to embrace the Chinese language and culture, emphasizing that determination is key to learning a foreign language. Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe, the Ugandan director of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University, explained that the competition’s primary purpose is to promote language and culture through music, as music has broad appeal and can effectively convey the importance of language.
Gumoshabe highlighted the educational opportunities available to Ugandans through the Confucius Institute, including scholarships in Uganda and China. He also mentioned that the Chinese Embassy and various Chinese companies have committed funds to offer scholarships for Chinese-related courses and other fields, particularly to underprivileged students. The Confucius Institute has established working relationships that provide internships and job opportunities for students with Chinese companies. The competition was organized by the Confucius Institute at Makerere University, Star Times, and other stakeholders, with outstanding schools and performers recognized for their dedication to promoting Chinese language and culture through music.
