On June 1, 2015, the staff of the Confucius Institute (CI) at University of the West Indies (UWI) at Cave Hill, Barbados accompanied Chinese Ambassador Wang Ke in participation in the International Children’s Day activities at Hilda Skeene Primary School. The visiting CI staff received a hearty welcome and then showcased a program of rich and colorful Chinese culture to its audience of around 200 teachers and students.
After the curtain was raised, the Chinese Ambassador to Barbados, Ms. Wang Ke, gave a speech wishing all the students a happy festival, and later donated teaching and learning equipment, such as computers and printers, to her host.
After that, it was time for CI to present its display of Chinese culture. Chinese Co-Director, Song Qingbao, talked about Chinese culture and hosted a lively quiz with the audience. The Barbadian Co-Director, Mr. Ché Leon C. Corbin, introduced Chinese Kung-fu and practiced Tai Chi Chuan for the spectators. Volunteer Shi Yuchen gracefully played the Hulusi (a Chinese flute) and sang Molihua ("Jasmine flowers", a popular Chinese folk song). Another volunteer, Zhang Qi, patiently taught local students some simple Chinese and happily interacted with them. Overall, the audience widely appreciated and received the various displays of rich Chinese culture in a warm atmosphere.
Afterwards,CI staff used a classroom in the primary school to conduct Chinese calligraphy and paper-cutting activities for more high-spirited students. Everyone who participated personally experienced the attractive aspects as well as the unique charm of Chinese culture.
At last, Principal Ivan Clarke, who is also the President of the Association of Public Primary School Principals in Barbados, expressed his thanks to CI staff by giving them souvenirs, and mentioned his willingness to further its cooperation with the CI to generate more opportunities for the local children to experience the splendid Chinese culture.
