In the heart of Madagascar, as Ratsizakaina Isaia Herimialy, fondly known as Herimialy, cradles her newborn, her mind drifts back to the remarkable journey that transformed her life – a journey that began with the Confucius Institute (CI) at the University of Antananarivo.
An age-old Madagascan adage professes, “education is the best heritage.” Inspired by this wisdom, Herimialy’s parents fervently backed her educational aspirations, nudging her towards Chinese language studies at the CI. It was this path that unlocked her chance to participate in the “Chinese Bridge” competition in China, an esteemed contest for foreign college students’ Chinese proficiency. Not only did she secure a coveted spot among the final six, but she also made history as the first African to reach this pinnacle.
Fast forward to 2017, and Herimialy found herself alongside Chinese songstress Gloria Tang Tsz Kei on China’s Hunan TV. This memorable performance wasn’t just a career highlight but a personal one as well, for it was here she met her future spouse. “The CI was the compass that guided me to my dreams,” Herimialy reflects.
Meanwhile, in Kenya, Antony Ndungu Kahuro’s fascination for Chinese kung fu films led him to the CI at the University of Nairobi. As he immersed himself in learning, his zeal for martial arts led him to China on a summer camp program. This trip was, in his words, “the happiest moment of my life.” Upon graduation, Antony secured a media role in Kenya and balanced his professional life with teaching Chinese martial arts and traditional dance forms at the Nairobi CI. Seeing the opportunities the Chinese language presented, he dreams of spearheading a Chinese club in Kenya, widening the gateway for many more Africans.
These tales of Herimialy and Antony symbolize the transformative experiences countless young Africans have enjoyed through the CIs across Africa.
Indeed, Confucius Institutes have flourished in Africa, with 61 established across 46 nations by 2020. While Africa might not have the highest count of CIs, it is lauded for housing some of the most impactful ones. The University of Nairobi CI, a pioneer in Africa since its inauguration in 2005, received accolades as the “Model Confucius Institute” a decade later.
With China’s rising prominence on the global stage, learning Chinese has become more than just language acquisition for many Africans. It represents the mastery of an international language, paving the way for broader career avenues. Statistics reflect this sentiment – the Nairobi CI witnessed a spike in student enrollments, with numbers set to climb further.
Chen Lijuan, at the University of Antananarivo CI, emphasized the institutes’ non-profit ethos and commitment to fostering Sino-African cultural exchanges. Mirroring Western cultural institutions, the CIs seamlessly integrate with host universities, championing the global expansion of Chinese education.
For many African youth, the CI isn’t just a place of learning. It’s a launchpad to Chinese scholarships, professional opportunities with Chinese firms, and a myriad of experiences that deepen the cultural ties between China and Africa.
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