A contestant gives a speech during the national preliminary round of the 17th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese language contest for foreign junior high school students in Accra, Ghana, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)
The 17th Ghanaian preliminary competition for the Chinese language contest “Chinese Bridge,” aimed at overseas junior high school students, was held successfully on Friday.
ACCRA, May 26 (Xinhua) — The 17th Ghana national preliminary round of the Chinese language competition “Chinese Bridge” for foreign secondary school students was successfully held on Friday.
The event was organised by the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and brought together eight finalists from across the country.
Speaking at the event, Ghanaian Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana, Clement Apa, said the competition was a bridge between culture and language between China and other countries. “The competition symbolizes the connection and exchange of knowledge, culture and friendship.”
“Learning Chinese language and absorbing Chinese culture will prepare you for a future where the Chinese language will be widespread and you will be ready to take advantage of all the opportunities that knowing Chinese will bring,” the Ghanaian director added.
Contestants take part in the national preliminary written exam of the 17th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese language competition for foreign secondary school students in Accra, Ghana, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)
Margaret Amoabeng, a student from UCC University Practical High School, was the overall winner of the competition and earned the right to participate in the international competition in China.
“I am so excited. I don’t even know how to express how happy I am. To be honest, the preparations have been very hard,” she said, adding that she would prepare even harder for the international competition in China to bring honour to Ghana.
“Learning Chinese is difficult for foreign students, but it is possible if you are determined,” Amoabeng said.
Cornerstone International Academy student Afua Ampau, who won the top prize, said the competition would open doors for her future.
“I believe learning Chinese has broadened my horizons. It has allowed me to make new connections with different people. Also, being on a stage like this has boosted my confidence,” Ampaw said. ■