The Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi changed into a lively center of cultural exchange and event as Kenyan trainees immersed themselves in the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Collected in groups, these passionate trainees excitedly found out the art of crafting Moon Cakes, a cherished special that is an important part of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinese custom. The occasion was created to promote more powerful people-to-people connections, promote cross-cultural understanding, and reinforce bonds beyond governmental relations. Deborah Nasimiyu, an instructor skilled in Chinese and Kiswahili at State House Girls, shared her ideas while preparing Moon Cakes: “I am finding out how to make a moon cake for the very first time, however I have actually tasted it previously. I enjoy cake in basic, however the taste of the moon cake is various due to the fact that it is not sweet.” Check out: Cabinet talk about culture costs and brand-new betting policies The celebrations went beyond cooking thrills. Individuals likewise took part in building dynamic lanterns, delighted in Chinese video games, and danced to a mix of Chinese and Kenyan tunes. Johnson Gitau, a trainee at the University of Nairobi (UoN), stressed the important lessons in team effort the occasion offered: “As a trainee and a member who has actually assisted facilitate this celebration, we attempt to bring individuals together, specifically throughout this time where Kenyans and Chinese individuals communicate and exchange cultures so the Kenyans discover the Chinese cultures.” Beyond the Mid-Autumn Festival, which has its roots in the ancient praise of the sky and the moon, conventional Chinese culture consists of 3 other significant celebrations: the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival. Kenyan trainees taking part in people-to-people exchange programs have actually acquired direct exposure to various cultures. Milina Kimenye, a UoN trainee pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce with an expertise in Accounting, shared her journey: “The Chinese dance club is a method of checking out other cultures. When we dance, we constantly put ourselves as Chinese. We are doing Chinese culture due to the fact that we do it the Chinese method.” Check out: Legacy of Legends: How death of renowned stars affected Kenyan pop culture The Mid-Autumn Festival holds enormous significance in Chinese culture, falling on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar when the moon shines its brightest. This celestial occasion symbolises household unity, a time for friends and families to come together, enjoy moon cakes, brighten lanterns, savor the moon’s radiance, and take part in cassia red wine. Prof. Wang Shangxue, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, shared its significance: “On that day, the moon is brightest, and likewise the moon indicates a type of household reunion. When the shape is round in Chinese, it indicates best of luck and a pleased household. We established this big day to commemorate the reunion of the Chinese and Kenyans to represent the long-lasting relationship and relationship in between Kenya and China.” In addition to celebrations, the trainees likewise looked into the complexities of Chinese language and pronunciation through a fascinating poem-teaching session led by their instructors. Chinese language courses are not restricted to universities; they are likewise used full-time at the Defence Forces School of Education and Languages in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Kenya. This effort forms part of the federal government’s efforts to reinforce relations with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and students are making remarkable strides, some reaching level 2 of efficiency. Check out: How TikTok has actually affected music, dance and youth culture
How Kenyans college student are accepting Chinese culture
