By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone (USL), in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone, has joined the global community in celebrating the 16th United Nations Chinese Language Day on Saturday, April 19, 2025, with a vibrant cultural ceremony held at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone.
The event, which was commemorated a day earlier than the official date of April 20, allowed broader community participation, particularly as Sundays are widely observed as religious days in Sierra Leone.
In his keynote address, Professor Chen Xuebin, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, welcomed dignitaries including Zhang Dianbin, Minister-Counselor at the Chinese Embassy, Professor Kelley Mansaray, Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Fourah Bay College, among other distinguished guests, students and members of the public.
“This annual celebration, established by UNESCO in 2010, is not only about language, it is about promoting diversity, celebrating the rich heritage of Chinese culture and deepening mutual understanding,” Professor Chen Xuebin remarked.
He explained that the date aligns with “Guyu,” a traditional Chinese solar term symbolizing growth, renewal and also pays tribute to Cangjie, the legendary figure credited with inventing Chinese characters.
The 2025 observance featured a two-part program. The morning session offered guests and students a hands-on cultural experience, including Chinese calligraphy, paper-cutting, tea art and folk games. Those activities were designed to foster a deeper appreciation of Chinese traditions and values beyond the academic sphere.
“Through participation, we hope you gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture, beyond the classroom or textbook,” Professor Chen Xuebin said.
The afternoon segment showcased an art performance by Chinese-language learners, who took to the stage to exhibit their talents through songs, dances, dramas and traditional musical performances. The show provided a platform for students to demonstrate both their linguistic progress and cultural fluency.
“This celebration is a testament to how language learning can go hand in hand with creativity and self-expression. Language is more than just words; it is a bridge that brings people together across cultures and continents,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor of Fourah Bay College (FBC), Professor Kelleh Mansaray, described the bond between China and Sierra Leone as one that has grown from mere diplomatic ties into a genuine fraternal relationship. “Our Chinese brothers are now our brothers indeed, because the bond is already there,” he remarked.
Prof.Kelleh Mansaray noted the increasing popularity and strategic importance of the Chinese language in Sierra Leone, especially among young people seeking to improve their job prospects in an increasingly competitive global environment.
“This is what is needed in today’s competitive world, where jobs are scarce and knowledge of an international language is always an added advantage,” he said. Drawing from personal experience, he cited how his fluency in German once helped him secure a UN job. He also disclosed his own plan to enroll in Chinese language studies at the Confucius Institute on FBC campus.
In a major announcement, Prof. Kelly Mansaray revealed that a proposal jointly submitted by USL and the Confucius Institute to the Chinese Embassy for the construction of a Chinese Cultural Centre at Fourah Bay College has been approved. “Construction plans are already underway and we are looking forward to a masterpiece building from the Chinese Government right here on FBC campus,” he said.
He also highlighted infrastructural challenges at the college, particularly the lack of consistent water supply further disclosing that his administration has embarked on drilling boreholes on campus to mitigate the crisis. “If we cannot get water from the dams, why not go underground?” he asked rhetorically.
The Vice Chancellor extended his congratulations to the Confucius Institute and its students for advancing Chinese language education in Sierra Leone. He further encouraged students and members of the public to seize the opportunity to study Chinese at an affordable cost.
“This will definitely be a worthy investment for your future,” he emphasized, while commending the Institute for its efforts in expanding Chinese language programs and opening branches across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Embassy and Ambassador Wang Qing, Minister-Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, Zhang Dianbin, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the faculty and students of the Confucius Institute for their continued dedication to promoting Chinese language and culture in Sierra Leone. He described the event as a celebration not only of language but also of the enduring friendship and mutual cooperation between the two nations.
“This event is a vivid testament to the friendship between China and Sierra Leone,” he said, noting that Chinese, as one of the world’s oldest and most widely spoken languages, serves as a vital bridge for cultural and civilizational exchange. “The Chinese language encapsulates five millennia of wisdom and brilliance from the oracle bones to modern literature and belongs not only to China but to the world, including our friends in Sierra Leone.”
The Minister-Counselor emphasized that as China continues on its path of high-quality development and as the Belt and Road Initiative expands, the need for cultural ambassadors who can bridge both nations is more pressing than ever. He encouraged students to embrace the language and use it as a tool for fostering collaboration and contributing to the China-Sierra Leone Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Zhang Dianbin also reflected on the recent strides in diplomatic relations, referencing President Julius Maada Bio’s two visits to China in 2024, which, he said, elevated bilateral relations to new historic heights. He commended the shared commitment to implementing President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative, which continues to enhance people-to-people exchanges between both countries.
In closing, Zhang Dianbin expressed gratitude to the Confucius Institute and the University of Sierra Leone for their pivotal role in promoting Chinese culture. “Let today’s celebration be a new starting point in writing a fresh chapter in the China-Sierra Leone friendship,” he concluded.
The event featured cultural exhibitions, Chinese calligraphy and traditional tea ceremonies, along with performances from students showcasing their Chinese language skills and appreciation of Chinese arts.
