On 1st December 2018, the celebration of the second anniversary of Confucius Institute at University of Mauritius was held at the university auditorium. The event was well attended and the audience was comprised of students and staff of the University of Mauritius, CI-UoM students, members from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Chinese Study School.
Mr. Tan Xudong, Director of Confucius Institute at University of Mauritius, welcomed the audience and expanded on the development of CI at UoM over the two years. He thanked all the people for the firm support to the Confucius Institute. He promised that Confucius Institute will continue to provide the best service to those that want to learn Mandarin. He said that Confucius Institute will stay true to its mission; that is, to serve as a bridge between China and Mauritius and to promote the relationship between the two countries.
The celebration opened with a singing and dancing performance by CI students. The song and dance ‘Porcelain’ expressed the elegance and charm of the performers who were dressed in Chinese traditional costumes and holding Chinese silk umbrellas. A group of children, aged 5 to 12, showed us how lovely and cute they can be when they acted as little tadpoles looking for their moms. CI students read ancient Chinese poems, performed Taichi Fan, Taichi Boxing and calligraphy and other aspects of the Chinese traditional culture. All in all, the celebration was highly appreciated by the audience coming from all walks of life in Mauritius.
Mr Naraindra Kistamah, Mauritian Director of Confucius Institute at UoM, gave a thank you speech. He commented highly on the performance by the CI students, Chinese teachers and volunteers. He expressed his gratitude to all those who help Confucius Institute in the past years, and hope more people will join the big family of CI-UoM to learn Mandarin and experience the Chinese culture.
Plate 1. Mr Tan Xudong, Chinese Director of CI-UoM, welcoming the audience
Plate 2. The song and dance ‘Porcelain’; an expression of elegance and charm of Chinese women
Plate 3. Group performance of song and poetry by CI-UoM students
Plate 4. Tai chi demonstration by Chinese teacher, Leo, and CI-UoM students
Plate 5. Sketch “Little tadpoles in search of their mothers’ performed by children of CI-UoM classes
Plate 6. Group photo of all the performers, teachers and Directors who participated in the celebration of the 2nd anniversary of Confucius Institute at University of Mauritius, December 2018