Feature: Chinese language, culture inspiring Kenyan youth to scale heights

Updated: June 26, 2022 Source: Xinhua News Agency
fontLarger fontSmaller

NAIROBI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Dressed in an elegant maroon suit and shiny leather shoes, Hansnick Omondi electrified the audience at Kenya's oldest university auditorium with an eloquent speech in Mandarin that extolled the virtues of friendship and hard work.

The 22-year-old Chinese language major at the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute became a sensation at the Chinese language proficiency contest held on Friday with his refined mannerism, sartorial prowess and huge stage presence while delivering the speech.

"It took me about four months to prepare for the speech and it touched on China-Kenya cooperation mainly in infrastructure development, our friendship and its benefits to all parties," Omondi told Xinhua after he was declared to win the first prize in the Kenya Division of the 21st edition of Chinese proficiency competition for foreign college students.

The bubbly youth who is also pursuing tourism at the University of Nairobi as a minor will head to the next round, to showcase his mastery of spoken mandarin.

Born and raised in a middle-income family in Nairobi, Omondi's curiosity to learn Chinese language developed while in high school, thanks to inspiration from his elder sister who was studying it at the University of Nairobi.

The elder sister who was pursuing a certificate course in Chinese language used to recite it in the presence of Omondi, hence giving him a head start in mastering some basic expressions in mandarin.

While admitting that he needed to improve on intonation and characters in his quest for prowess in Chinese language, Omondi noted that it would pave way for a career in diplomacy or the hospitality industry.

Kenya's largest and oldest university, the University of Nairobi, on Friday held the preliminary round of a Chinese language proficiency contest for foreign college students.

The fifteen students drawn from the country's four public universities and shortlisted from an initial list of 200 were clad in glittering costumes as they lifted the mood of the audience with speeches, songs, dances and martial arts.

Mitchell Muthoni, a 23-year-old major in Chinese language and culture at the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute who scooped the second prize stole thunder when she performed "Li Hua Song", a song delivered in the way of Peking Opera.

Muthoni's silky vocals as she belted out the renowned classical song coupled with dazzling costumes created a sensation in the auditorium filled with diverse audiences including diplomats, local officials, students and faculty.

The speech part of her presentation, which lasted about three minutes was a bit challenging, though the Nairobi-born youth disclosed that confidence and prior sufficient preparation made her sail through.

Inspired to study Chinese after watching numerous movies on the Chinese rich culture, Muthoni said that she looked forward to a successful career in the corporate world or international relations, after completing her studies this year.

"It is amazing to witness Kenyan youth secure jobs and exposure courtesy of studying Chinese language," said Muthoni adding that her four years of studying the Chinese language and culture have inspired younger peers to follow suit.

Stephen Kiama, vice-chancellor at University of Nairobi hailed the quality of presentations by students as a testament to their growing affinity to key elements of Chinese language and culture.

Kiama stressed that by studying Chinese language and culture, local youth stood a better chance of securing gainful employment besides acting as a bridge for fostering Sino-Kenya ties in diverse spheres.

Cynthia Irungu, a 23-year-old business major who is pursuing a certificate course in Chinese at Moi University, agreed that mandarin has inspired local youth to dream of a sunny future.

Irungu scooped the third prize, after presenting a traditional but famous song themed around sacrifices parents make to ensure their offspring are prosperous and happy.

Prior to the performance, Irungu said her Chinese tutor took her through rigorous practice in addition to encouraging her to be calm and confident while on stage.

While growing up in the lush green central Kenyan county of Nyeri, Irungu was exposed to Chinese movies and kung fu, thus motivating her to study mandarin when she joined the university.

Irungu is convinced that as more Kenyan youth master the Chinese language and culture, friendship between the two nations and their peoples will flourish, and unleash mutual benefits.

Brian Otieri, a 21-year-old Chinese language major at the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute who impressed the audience with his meticulous performance of tai chi and calligraphy, said that he looked forward to becoming a translator or teacher, after completing his studies.

The Nairobi-born youth said that his exposure to Chinese culture through movies at a tender age motivated him to learn mandarin with the hope it would enable him to blend in a cross-cultural working environment. 

Editor: Jiang Feifan