On 9th February 2019, Confucius Institute at University of Mauritius celebrated the Chinese New Year. The representatives from Zhejiang TV, China, Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the students from Chinese School of Mauritius and CI-UoM attended the event.
Associate Professor, Tan Xudong, Chinese Director of CI delivered a welcome speech and wished everybody present a healthy, wealthy and prosperous year of the Pig. He said that during the period of celebration of the Chinese New Year, every member of the family gets together, and today all the members of CI family are present to celebrate the Chinese New Year and that, in spite of the cyclonic weather. This is a fine symbol of dedication to and love of what you do!
CI-UoM students presented their performances; Chinese song ‘Good Fortune’ sung by Mauritian Chinese and the song was about New Year’s bringing good fortune to everybody and CI-UoM; two lovely kids from China recited the poem ‘The Long March’ written by former leader of China, Mao Zedong, and Mr. Wang Shuai from Zhejiang TV, China presented a typical Chinese crosstalk entitled ‘The Elder is always right’; the most moving performance was the recitation of a poem written by CI teacher, Ms. Zhang Yeping. In the poem, it is said that the ‘Mandarin teachers leave their home and fly to Mauritius to work as Mandarin teachers. During the two years of work, they experienced different types of life at the other end of the globe. After the teachers ‘see’ and ‘taste’ the friendship from Mauritian people and when they finish their term as Mandarin teachers and leave for China, Mauritius has become their second home.’ Other CI-UoM students sang and recited poems on the occasion of the celebration.
The Mauritian Director of CI-UoM thanked all the teachers for the preparatory works, the wonderful performance on the day and the fantastic team spirit. He also thanked all the participants and the audience for their presence.
Plate 1. Mature CI-UoM students performing the Chinese song ‘Good fortune’
Plate 2. Two young guests from Zhejiang reciting the poem ‘The Long March’ written by former leader of China, Mao Zedong
Plate 3. CI-UoM students from the kids’ class reciting poems and singing Chinese song!
Plate 4. The recitation of a poem written by CI teacher, Ms. Zhang Yeping. The poem talks about the experience of CI teachers during their time in Mauritius and the resulting friendship.
Plate 5. Group photo of all the participants celebrating Chinese New Year 2019 at UoM!