On October 11, 2024, the Confucius Institute at T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) embraced the spirit of China’s traditional Double Ninth Festival by visiting three nursing homes in Grenada. Upholding the values of respect and care for the elderly, the institute’s teachers organized a heartfelt event filled with warmth and compassion. During the visit, they not only brought practical supplies but also engaged in lively conversations, sharing festive blessings and sincere care. Grenada’s local media (GIS) covered the entire event, highlighting its significance.
The teachers from the Confucius Institute visited Richmond Nursing Home, Chichester’s Nursing Home, and Grand Anse Home For The Aged. At each location,
they distributed essential items and spent quality time listening to the stories of the elderly, creating an atmosphere of joy and laughter. The seniors warmly welcomed the Confucius Institute team, with some even sharing their personal connections to Chinese culture.
During an interview, Director Jiang Fan introduced the cultural importance of the Double Ninth Festival to the nursing staff, the elderly, and viewers watching from home. She remarked, “Youth is a gift of nature, while age is a work of art. On this special day, we wish all the elderly health and fulfillment of all their hopes.” The nursing home directors expressed their gratitude for the institute’s annual visits, noting that while the faces may change each year, the love remains the same. One director even mentioned plans to learn Chinese from the Confucius Institute and share Chinese stories with the seniors in her institution.
Aging is inevitable, and every family has its elders. Through this visit, the teachers from the Confucius Institute hoped to bring the warmth and care of China to the elderly in Grenada. This event not only embodied the spirit of the Double Ninth Festival—respecting, caring for, and supporting the elderly—but also opened a
window of friendship, offering Grenadian people a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.