Confucius Institute Holds Chinese Proficiency Competition for High Schools

The Confucius Institute has hosted its maiden ‘‘Chinese Bridge” Competition for High School students. The event showcased students' proficiency in Chinese Language and culture through a speech competition, written test, and talent show.

Eight talented students from the University of Ghana Basic School, University Practice Senior High School, Cornerstone Academy, Blessed Home International School and West End International School participated.

The competition was on the themed “Fly High with Chinese.”

The Chinese proficiency Competition is an international contest organised by the Centre for Language and Education in China. The competition provides a platform for Chinese learners to showcase their Chinese learning experiences and assess their learning outcomes.

Delivering the opening remarks, Prof. Clement Appah, Ghanaian Director of Confucius Institute, UG, expressed his joy for being the first institution to host a Chinese proficiency competition for Junior High Schools in Ghana.

He added, ‘‘the Chinese Bridge competition affords foreign students the chance to exhibit their level of achievement in learning of Chinese language and culture”.

He highlighted the connection in exchange of knowledge, culture and friendship in learning Chinese language. He also expressed hope that the competition will serve as motivation and inspiration for students who intend to participate in the next edition.

The Special Guest, UG Registrar Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, highlighted the importance of nurturing young talents in the Chinese language.

“The theme for this year’s competition, ‘Fly High with Chinese,’ echoes well with the saying that study hard for the wings of knowledge will carry you to heights beyond your imagination.” 

She urged parents and guardians to support young people in developing their passion for the Chinese language, which can provide them with valuable skills for a successful future.

Mr. Li Yang, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ghana

, in a brief remark congratulated the Confucius Institute for hosting their maiden Chinese Bridge competition for High School students.

He said that language is not only a tool for communication but a carrier of cultural learning and uniformity.

“Chinese Bridge provides a platform for young Chinese learners from all over the world to demonstrate their competence and improve their proficiency in Chinese language and culture”. He further stated that, it will improve the China-Ghana relationship which is very important and beneficial to both countries in terms of social and economic growth.

The highly competitive and colorful event saw contestants awe the audience with their performances.

Contestants were scored over 100% according to their proficiency and expertise in the Chinese language and culture.

Miss Margaret Amoabeng, from University Practice Senior High School, Cape Coast, emerged as the overall winner of the competition. She was presented with a washing machine worth GH 2,500.00 as her award prize and stands a chance to represent Ghana in the Chinese Bridge Competition in China.

In an acceptance speech, she expressed excitement at emerging as the winner and thanked the Confucius Institute for the opportunity to showcase her knowledge in Chinese language and culture. Miss Amoabeng described the competition as a door opener for her to learn and explore more in Chinese language.

The second and third place winners were announced in groupings made up of contestants from different institutions. Isaac Gyimah from the University Basic School was part of the third-place group in the speech competition, written test and talent show.

All participants were presented with prize packages from sponsors.