To celebrate Easter, on April 22, 2025, the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children in Mauritius organized an event themed “Learning Through Play.” The event targeted children aged 8 to 12 from residential care institutions, aiming to help them understand their rights through fun and engaging games and activities. The Confucius Institute at the University of Mauritius was invited to take part. Among the guests attending the opening ceremony were Mrs. Aneeta Ghoorah, Ombudsperson for Children; Dr. Kistamah, the Institute’s Mauritian Director; and Prof. Fu Mingduan, the Chinese Director.
Following a brief opening ceremony, the morning activities kicked off at 10 a.m. The Office of the Ombudsperson planned a range of interactive sessions such as face painting and outdoor sports to put the theme of “learning through play” into practice, allowing children to learn about their rights in a relaxed and joyful setting.
The Confucius Institute teachers Zhang Kangfu and Xue Yajun, along with volunteer teachers Li Tingting and Hui Derong, set up interactive stations showcasing Chinese painting, calligraphy, and paper-cutting, offering the children a hands-on introduction to traditional Chinese culture. In the painting and calligraphy section, Mr. Zhang and Mr. Xue demonstrated the charm of Chinese brushwork through fun activities and guided the children in trying their hand at both calligraphy and ink painting for the first time. As the ink spread across the rice paper, the children watched intently, filled with curiosity and excitement, producing lively and imaginative pieces of their own.
At the paper-cutting station, Ms. Li and Ms. Hui showcased beautiful traditional pieces featuring the Chinese character "福" (blessing) and zodiac animals, which immediately captured the children’s attention. They then guided the children step by step in folding paper, sketching patterns, and cutting along the lines. When the pieces were unfolded, chubby little puppies and vivid carp sprang to life, and the children’s faces lit up with delight and wonder.
Our contribution focused on introducing the children to the values of creativity, patience, and cultural appreciation. The event was a wonderful opportunity to foster inclusivity and learning in a playful environment, reinforcing the importance of both self-expression and respect for diverse traditions.
Mrs Aneeta Ghoorah, Ombudsperson for Children of the Republic of Mauritius, addressing the audience
Dr Naraindra Kistamah, Mauritian Director of CI-UoM, addressing the Children of Residential Care Institutions
Prof Fu Mingduan, Chinese Director of CI-UoM, addressing the Children of Residential Care Institutions
