YANGON: Myanmar students swayed to Chinese music and dance, tried their hands at calligraphy and paper-cutting, and explored the art of crafting lacquer fans on Saturday (Oct 24), discovering Chinese culture through activities beyond the classroom.
Held at the China Cultural Centre in Yangon, the event also featured the "Nihao! China!" interactive activity, allowing students to experience Chinese traditions and connect their language lessons with the culture behind the words.
Jointly organised by the China Cultural Center in Yangon, CITIC Myanmar, the Eastern Language and Business Centre (ELBC), and the Kunming Zhi Gen Social Work Development Centre, the event marked the launch of a new batch of Chinese-language classes under the Kyaukphyu Anargat (future) Chinese Language Training Project.
The classes provide young people with opportunities to develop language skills and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.
Liu Qing, deputy general manager of CITIC Myanmar, said the project began in 2019, reflecting the company's commitment to supporting local youth as it worked with Myanmar partners to advance the Kyaukphyu project.
Since 2024, the company has continued to offer Chinese-language training in Yangon in collaboration with its partners, guided by a vision of supporting Kyaukphyu's future and regional development.
Nearly 300 young people in Myanmar have so far had the opportunity to learn Chinese and experience Chinese culture, earning widespread recognition and praise, she said.
For 17-year-old Aung Wathan Maung, the programme offers a chance to gain knowledge, build confidence and prepare for a future with more choices.
He noted that financial difficulties and family circumstances can limit some young people's access to education, highlighting the importance of providing learning opportunities.
"Learning Chinese not only equips students with a new language but also opens doors to a new culture, unlocking further educational and career opportunities," he said.
Han Sein, vice chairman of the ELBC, said Chinese-language skills were becoming increasingly valuable as economic, trade and cultural exchanges between China and Myanmar deepened.
Ei Swe Zin, a Chinese-language teacher involved in the project, said cultural activities helped make lessons more engaging and encouraged students to develop an interest in the language.
"When we include cultural activities, students do not get bored while learning. They become more interested and enthusiastic about the language," she said, adding that language learning also helps students understand cultural nuances, including respectful forms of address and expressions used in different social situations. - Xinhua
