Culture, education, and media take on collaborative projects
Given the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in fostering China-Africa cooperation in the contemporary era, Hunan in Central China has been dedicated to enhancing comprehensive collaboration with African nations across various domains such as culture, education, media and related fields.
This effort aims to not only facilitate the dissemination of Chinese culture abroad but provide a robust platform for the rich and diverse cultures of Africa to be showcased within China.
Since 2008, Xiangtan University, Hunan City University, and Central South University have partnered with Makerere University in Uganda, University of Cape Coast in Ghana, and the Congolese Diplomatic Academy, respectively, to establish Confucius Institutes.
These have evolved into hubs where African youth immerse themselves in Chinese culture, nurturing a flourishing environment for China-Africa cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The cooperation between Xiangtan and Makerere, for example, exemplifies the fruitful cultural and educational exchanges between Hunan and Africa. The Confucius Institute at Makerere offers undergraduate programs focusing on Chinese language and culture, while also training local Chinese language teachers in Uganda.
Currently, approximately 90 secondary schools in Uganda, supported by more than 100 local teachers, are engaged in Chinese language education, benefiting approximately 20,000 students.
Muleme Matthew, an international student at Xiangtan University, was inspired by the Confucius Institute in Uganda to pursue studies in China. Matthew's passion for Chinese culture and his admiration for Hunan prompted him to embrace the opportunities presented by the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, aspiring to contribute as a proactive participant in advancing China-Africa cooperation in the province.
The Confucius Institute serves as a microcosm of China-Africa cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Universities in Hunan have collectively educated nearly 3,000 international students from more than 40 African countries. Many of them have emerged as envoys of cultural exchange, bridging the gap between China and Africa.
One such individual is an Ethiopian student known affectionately by her friends. Having already secured a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Hunan University, she is currently pursuing a PhD in civil engineering at Central South University.
Reflecting on China's rapid advancements in infrastructure and manufacturing, she highlights the significant role Chinese companies play in constructing major projects in Ethiopia. She arrived in Hunan in 2018 to further her studies.
As China stands as Ethiopia's largest trading partner and principal engineering contractor, She aspires to deepen cooperation between the two nations. Alongside her husband, who also journeyed to Hunan, they envision establishing a cross-border trade company to export Chinese mechanical equipment to Ethiopia.
"I aspire to be a beacon of China-Africa friendship. Beyond merely trading Chinese goods, I aim to share the narrative of China's global contributions," she said.
Today, the scope of exchanges has expanded to encompass various sectors, including television, film and animation. Hunan's diverse array of entertainment, such as TV shows, dramas and cartoons, has found resonance among audiences in African nations. Reciprocally, Chinese film festivals in countries such as Kenya and South Africa, along with the growing popularity of African films in China, are fostering a deeper appreciation of each other's cultures.
During the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, which commenced on Thursday, the China-Africa Film Week was held to facilitate cultural exchanges through activities such as the opening ceremony and development forums.
In addition to films, TV shows have also played a pivotal role in cultural exchanges, exemplified by the collaboration between the International Channel of Hunan Broadcasting and Television Station and Ghana's Gold Digital TV in launching the "Golden Mango" Satellite TV Channel. The channel reaches an audience of nearly 500 million people across 23 countries in Western and Central Africa.
Moreover, Hunan Xiangxiangmao Animation Technology has produced a Chinese kung fu-themed animation, airing in more than 30 African countries and garnering immense popularity among African children.
The Hunan Acrobatic Art Theatre has also showcased its exceptional talents in various African nations such as Equatorial Guinea, Morocco, Cameroon and Benin. In 2023, the theater conducted a performance in Benin, captivating local audiences with its high-level skills and artistic finesse.
The travel documentary Serendipitous Journeys premiered on Mango TV on June 5 and focuses on cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries. It invites young people from China, Tanzania and Sri Lanka to experience life abroad.
A young man from a primitive tribe in Tanzania and an African girl working in the mining industry came to Hangzhou to experience the conveniences brought by technology. They experienced the emerging jobs of short video creators and e-commerce anchors, wore traditional Chinese attire hanfu, used chopsticks and experienced the daily life of Chinese youth.
In the program, Chinese youth Huang Zitao traveled to the Maasai tribe in Tanzania to learn their war dances and how to manage sheep.
After immersing himself in the tribal life, Huang said: "I personally experienced the blend of ancient traditions and modern vitality."
To date, Hunan has established sister-city relations with 12 African cities and signed agreements for 12 prospective sister cities, fostering enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation.
These initiatives are instrumental in advancing the holistic development of cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Hunan and Africa, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of mutual understanding and collaboration.
原文链接：https://epaper.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202506/14/WS684ca5ada310ad6769f23ee0.html?_refluxos=a10
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