The competition took place on June 9, 2024, at the University of Rwanda’s Remera Campus. It is organized by the Confucius Institute, which has a branch at UR, and is attended by university students, primary school students, and secondary school students.

The competitors are students who study Chinese alongside their regular courses, but they must first pass a written exam.

They demonstrate their knowledge of the Chinese language and culture through songs, dances, drama, speeches, poems, and various other performances.

Niyongabo Viateur, who outshined all other university competitors, told IGIHE that this is a significant achievement in his life and that he prepared for it.

He said, “I am extremely happy because learning the Chinese language is not easy. I have participated in previous years and did not come first, but today it has happened.”

He continued, “Representing the country in China will give me the opportunity to meet other people in China, and I am confident that I will perform well in the next round of competitions there. The certificate they will give me is highly valuable in the job market because, here in Rwanda, Chinese companies need translators, and when you have it, they do not hesitate to give you a job.”

The first-place winner in the university category receives various prizes, including a computer, a trip to China, and other items.

They also have the opportunity to apply for a third-level university scholarship to study Chinese and receive an international certificate.

For primary and secondary school students, the first-place winner is awarded the chance to participate in another round of competitions in China, a tour of the country, and other items.

The Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, said that the Chinese language is rising globally and that Rwandan students who have studied it have played a role in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

He said, “Many Rwandans, especially the youth, have joined the large community of Chinese language learners. Together with this large community, they understand Chinese culture, and this has helped to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between China and Rwanda.”

“Chinese is a beautiful language, and lea’rning it is a great journey to understand cultural differences and enjoy sharing them from both sides.”

Ambassador Xuekun also said that in the past 15 years, over 40,000 Rwandan students have benefited from learning Chinese and that currently, the Chinese education program is taught in over 190 countries worldwide.