On 3rd February 2019, the Directors, teachers and students of CI-UoM participated in a parade for the celebration of the Chinese New Year in Port Louis, Capital City of Mauritius.
The parade was organized by the Embassy of Peoples’ Republic of China, the Cultural Center of China, Chinese communities/clubs of Mauritius in collaboration with the Municipality Council of Port-Louis. In his speech, the Mayor of Port Louis congratulated the organizers for this laudable initiative which brought a lot of colours to the city, wished the Chinese community and the residents of Port Louis a Happy New Year. The vice-president of Mauritius, the Ambassador of the Embassy of Peoples’ Republic of China and the Director of Chinese Cultural Centre were present for the parade.
The parade started in front of the City Council of Port-Louis and the participants from various cultural and educational groups walked down along ‘Intendance Street’ before turning left onto ‘Royal Road’ to China Town. The presence of delegates from Confucius Institute at UoM in the parade is new to the street audience and it attracted attention. The teachers and students took the opportunity to present Confucius Institute and its activities, all of which means that CI at UoM not only concentrates on Mandarin teaching and cultural exchanges, but also takes part in public event for recognition by a wider audience.
Plate 1. Delegates from Confucius Institute at University of Mauritius participating in the Chinese New Year Celebration Parade in Port Louis, Feb 2019
Plate 2. The parade was very colourful with people dressed in different costumes, and carrying flags, lanterns and balloons
Plate 3. CI-UoM Chinese teachers and students in the company of Mauritian Director of CI-UoM (centre)
Plate 4. His Excellency Sun Gongyi (centre), Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Mauritius, and other distinguished guests, taking part in the parade.