UTG Hosts UN Chinese Language Day as Ambassador Liu Awards Scholarships

The University of The Gambia on April 20 hosted a vibrant celebration of United Nations Chinese Language Day, marked by the presentation of scholarships to outstanding students by Chinese Ambassador Liu Jin.

The event brought together key stakeholders in education and diplomacy, including Vice Chancellor Herbert Robinson, Chinese Dean of the Confucius Institute at UTG Mme. Xie Mingying, as well as Gambian alumni of Chinese universities and students from UTG and two senior secondary schools.

In his remarks, Ambassador Liu highlighted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of Chinese being designated as an official language of the United Nations. He described the commemoration as a key moment within the broader China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Reflecting on a decade of renewed diplomatic ties between China and The Gambia, he praised the growing cooperation across sectors and urged Gambian students to pursue excellence while strengthening bilateral friendship.

Vice Chancellor Robinson expressed appreciation for China’s continued support to The Gambia’s education sector, emphasizing the university’s commitment to advancing Chinese language studies. He noted that enhanced academic collaboration would further deepen cultural understanding and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

The event also featured cultural exhibitions by the Confucius Institute and the Chinese Medical Team in The Gambia, including demonstrations of Chinese calligraphy, tea art, paper-cutting, and traditional medical practices. Students and teachers actively engaged in the activities, contributing to a lively and interactive atmosphere that underscored the importance of cultural exchange.