Chinese ambassador awards scholarships at UWI Confucius Institute

Students from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions have been recognised with Chinese Ambassador Scholarships at the University of the West Indies Confucius Institute, marking a significant milestone in the island’s growing engagement with Mandarin Chinese and culture.

Dr Che Leon Corbin, the new local co-director of the Confucius Institute and a former co-director when the institute first opened in 2015, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme’s achievements.

“Right now, our Confucius Institute here, in our very own Barbados, Cave Hill campus, is ranked among the top 10 of 500 Confucius Institutes worldwide,” he said. “This programme brings people together, so that China doesn’t seem so far away. Just like people in China are learning English, we are learning Chinese. It brings relationships together when you can at least say something in each other’s language.”

The scholarships, provided by the Chinese Embassy in Barbados, serve as both encouragement and financial support for students excelling in Mandarin studies at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Recipients received cheques that can be used for books or other educational expenses.

Tyrone Yearwood, a Chinese teacher at the Institute, explained the distinction between the Ambassador Scholarship and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) government scholarship. “The Ambassador Scholarship is mainly for domestic purposes, a form of gratitude and encouragement,” he said.

“The CSC government scholarship, however, is fully paid — tuition, accommodation, and health insurance — to study in China.”

He added that applicants now require Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) certification, a Chinese proficiency test, which the Confucius Institute offers preparation for.

Professor Nie Lu, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, praised the students and teachers for their dedication.

“Learning your language and you learning mine ensures international communication flows smoothly,” she said. “With so many Chinese elements in Barbados and Barbadian students in China, our interactions require us to learn each other’s language.

Your passion for Mandarin and Chinese culture is paving the way for stronger ties between our countries.”

The ceremony recognised students from primary schools, including St George Primary, Charles F Broome Memorial, St Stephen’s, and St Cyprians’ Primary; secondary schools, such as Harrison College, Queen’s College, Ellerslie Secondary, Alleyne, Lester Vaughan, and Christ Church Foundation. The award-winning tertiary students were Genesis Chester, Richellia Janeece Allicia Stuart, Chelsye Imani Holford, Khadesha Mason, Thea Adams, Jade Cobham-Allamby, Shalise Malissa Lashae Thomas, Evan Decoteau- Alexis, Roshea Carrington, and Achebe Kwesi Forde.

The ceremony underscored the importance of cultural exchange and language learning as tools for fostering international friendships. “You are pioneers in this exciting historical process,” Professor Nie said. “Please keep up your good work in learning Mandarin and Chinese culture in Barbados.”

(LE)