On October 18, the Confucius Institute at T.A. Marryshow Community College(TAMCC) successfully held its “Open Day” event, attracting over 100 teachers, students, and community members. The atmosphere was lively, and the event was rich with diverse activities that showcased the charm of Chinese culture.
Attending the event were Principal of TAMCC Mr. Andrew Abraham, Grenadian director of the Confucius Institute and Dean of the School of Arts, Science and Professional Studies Mr. David Ambrose, resident director of the Confucius Institute Dr. Fan Jiang and co-directors Mrs. De Gale-Philip, and Mr. Gay, all of whom expressed their high appreciation for the event.
The event kicked off with an energetic performance of the song A Good Day and a dynamic dragon dance performance. Two dragons soared through the air, exuding power, while the upbeat music filled the air with a festive atmosphere, instantly energizing the crowd. Cheers from the audience echoed throughout. Following this, Director Jiang delivered an enthusiastic speech, introducing the programs and the teachers responsible for each activity. Afterward, Captain Zhu, who had sailed from China to Grenada, took the stage to share his journey’s challenges and sights, from the thrilling moments battling the ocean to his introspective reflections on solitude. His adventures deeply moved everyone in the audience. Spontaneous applause erupted as attendees praised the captain.
The cultural experience section was equally vibrant, with a wide array of fascinating activities. Niu Wanlin’s Chinese song performance and Zhang Xiaoying’s hulusi (a Chinese wind instrument) performance captivated the audience with the beauty of Chinese music. Zhang Xiang, General Manager of Shanghai Baoye Group, showcased his calligraphy skills, writing names and messages of goodwill for students on the spot. His bold yet graceful calligraphy drew a large crowd, and students were thrilled to have their names written in Chinese, many taking photos with their calligraphy pieces as keepsakes. Additionally, students donned exquisite hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), traveling through time from the modern West to ancient China in just a few seconds, experiencing a cultural journey. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) display area was also a hit, with a steady stream of students eager to try moxibustion and cupping. Zhang Xiaoying explained the principles and benefits of moxibustion in detail, and many students were amazed by the effects after trying it, expressing newfound respect for the “magical” aspects of TCM. Meanwhile, the aroma of delicious spring rolls and various teas filled the air, allowing students to indulge in Chinese culinary delights while praising the aesthetic beauty of the tea ceremony displays.
At the event, the Confucius Institute set up a Chinese language course information booth. Teachers provided detailed course information to teachers, students, and community members interested in learning Chinese, highlighting the benefits of learning the language. They also informed them that students who pass the HSK Level 3 exam could apply for Chinese government scholarships to study in China. Many attendees expressed strong interest in learning Chinese and eagerly sought further information. One student, excited by the day’s activities, commented, “Today’s event was so much fun! Experiencing it firsthand was truly eye-opening, even more vivid than reading about it in books.” Many attendees also expressed their deep interest in Chinese culture and looked forward to more opportunities to participate in similar events in the future.
A groups of students also sang some Grenadian songs and English ones at the Open Day, making it a day for cultural exchanges and understanding. The Confucius
Institute Open Day concluded with a chorus performed by all the teachers and students. The event not only showcased the unique charm of cultures but also
deepened the understanding of Chinese culture among the teachers and students. As the saying goes, “Language connects islands, and culture enriches friends.” The Confucius Institute will continue to bridge the friendship and cultural exchange between the two countries through diverse cultural activities.