Author: QIAO Yumin, LIU Zelin | College of Chinese Literature and Culture

Date: July 6, 2024

The highly anticipated 2024 British Chinese Language Proficiency Program summer camp in China commenced with great fervor on July 5th at the prestigious School of Chinese Language at Jinan University. Spearheaded by the renowned Mandarin Excellence Programme, a flagship initiative of the UK Department of Education, this educational endeavor is meticulously orchestrated by University College London and the British Council, with staunch support from the Ministry of Education's Centre for Chinese Language Exchange and Cooperation. The overarching objective of this program is to nurture a cohort of adept Chinese linguists in the UK through immersive language instruction and cultural exchange undertakings in China.

(All Summer Camp Teachers and Students Pose for a Group Photo)

Dignitaries and luminaries from various spheres graced the inauguration ceremony, underscoring the significance of cross-border educational collaborations. Notable attendees included Hou Lihan, Deputy Consul General of the British Consulate General in Guangzhou, He Ying, Director of the Cultural and Education Department in South China and Director of Higher Education at the British Consulate General, Deng Zhanwen, Education Project Manager, Liu Dan, Resource Manager, Zhang Xiaoxin, esteemed Vice President of Jinan University, He Ruihong, Deputy Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Office, and a host of other distinguished guests. The event was artfully presided over by Yang Wanbing, Vice Dean of the School of Chinese Language and Literature at Jinan University.

(Zhang was delivering a speech.)

In a stirring address, Zhang Xiaoxin extended a warm welcome to the esteemed guests, expounding on the profound importance of the Chinese language training program. She articulated Jinan University's unwavering commitment to hosting this revelatory event, citing language as a conduit for global engagement and culture as the unifying force that binds humanity. Zhang emphasized the pivotal role of promoting Mandarin not only for the preservation of Chinese heritage but also for fostering international empathy and bolstering global unity.

(Hou was delivering a speech.)

Hou Lihan, in his impassioned speech, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the event's stalwart supporters and organizers. He delineated behavioral expectations for British participants, envisioning a transformative experience where students foster mutual respect, academic dedication, and harmonious camaraderie with their Chinese peers. Hou held high hopes that the summer camp would serve as an enriching platform for attendees to immerse themselves in diverse cultural experiences and elevate their Mandarin proficiency.

Amidst a backdrop of cultural splendor, student representatives Aril Strathern from the UK and volunteer representative Rao Zelin from China imparted poignant insights during their addresses. Aril's deep-seated affection for Chinese culture and Guangzhou's culinary delights, articulated in both English and Chinese, echoed the participants' eagerness to delve into multifaceted learning experiences. Rao eloquently underscored the symbiotic relationship between language mastery and cultural enlightenment, aspiring for a collaborative ethos where students from disparate backgrounds converge, progress collectively, forge enduring bonds, and craft cherished memories.

Liu Wenxuan, a distinguished 2021 graduate specializing in Broadcasting and Hosting Arts from Jinan University, orchestrated a mesmerizing array of traditional Chinese cultural performances that captivated the audience and kindled a fervor for delving into the rich tapestry of Chinese heritage. The dynamic showcase, featuring enthralling displays such as lion dances, ethnic dancers, martial arts demonstrations, Cantonese opera, and Sichuan opera, stoked the attendees' zeal for delving deeper into the realms of Chinese culture. Zhang Xiaoxin and Hou Lihan, with finesse, added a touch of finesse to the lion dance, underscoring their optimism for the seamless execution of the summer camp.

The opening ceremony exuded palpable enthusiasm, emblematic of the resolute commitment of both parties to collaboration and the sublime allure of China's exceptional cultural heritage. This ceremonious prelude sets the stage for an immersive 10-day summer camp brimming with promise and a harmonious blend of cultural treasures. With a collective aspiration for mutual enlightenment and enduring camaraderie, this summer camp aims to sow the seeds of respect, empathy, and lifelong connections among students from divergent cultural milieus, thereby fostering a tapestry of shared understanding and illuminating brilliance in the hearts of all participants.