The one-day symposium, organized by the College of Liberal Arts at Chongqing Normal University and the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, brought together Rwandan government officials and scholars, as well as education experts from Rwanda, China and the East African region.

Speaking at the event, Florien Nsanganwimana, principal of the University of Rwanda’s College of Education, said that the symposium is a testament to the enduring partnership between Chongqing Normal University and the University of Rwanda.

"The purpose of this symposium is to take Chinese language education in Rwanda to the next level because we are committed to raising the bar in Chinese language education," Nsanganwimana said. "We aim to make Chinese language education more accessible to a broader audience in Rwanda and the East African region."

Nsanganwimana highlighted the event signifies the remarkable journey that has been undertaken in promoting Chinese language education and cultural exchange.

"As we deliberate on the development of Chinese language education in Rwanda and the broader East African region, let us not only celebrate our achievements but also look ahead to the exciting opportunities and challenges that await us. Together, we can continue to bridge cultures and foster mutual understanding," he said.

Shui Qiang, deputy director of the College of Liberal Arts at Chongqing Normal University, said via video link at the event that the College of Liberal Arts looks forward to providing more support and assistance for the development of Chinese language education in East Africa.

"We are willing to share resources and experiences in the field of international Chinese language education with East African countries, jointly promoting cooperation and exchange in language, culture, and education," Shui said.

Students and teachers from the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda exchange ideas in the Chinese reading room. Photo: China Plus