Confucius Institute 10th Anniversary Celebration

At Latvian time 14:00,27th, September,2014, Confucius Institute 10th Anniversary Celebration begins in the ceremony hall of Latvian University Academic Library.
Hundreds of honored guests attend this celebration, including Chinese Embassy ambassador Mr. Yang Guoqiang and his wife, Chinese Embassy consular Mr. Zeng Fuhua, State Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Mr. Andrejs•Pildegovichs,Vice rector of Latvia University and president of Confucius Institute Council Prof. Andris•Kangro , head of Latvia University Foreign Affair Department Mrs. Alina•Grzhibovska, Professor Agita•Baltgalve from Latvia University Faculty of Humanities, head of the library Mrs. Venta•Kocere, Xinhua News reporter Mr. Guo Qun and his wife, Confucius Institute foreign side director Professor Peteris•Pildegovics, Confucius Institute Chinese side director Professor Shang Quanyu, Confucius Institute secretary Laura• Kregere, teachers and students from Confucius Institute, foreign students and local overseas Chinese.
27th, September, is not only the celebration of the tenth anniversary of Confucius Institute which is the world’s first ‘Confucius Institute Day’, but also the 95th anniversary celebration of the University of Latvia, which explains well ‘Shuang Xi Lin Men’(double happiness).
The event begins with the theme of ‘Confucius’,the foreign side director Professor Peteris•Pildegovics and Chinese side director Professor Shang Quanyu briefly introduce the main idea of Confucianism and profound impact of Confucius himself on Chinese education history. After that, a small vedio about the life of Confucius shows the legendary life of Confucius, so that the audiences have a better understanding of Confucius; also comprehend the meaning behind the name ‘Confucius Institute’.
Next, for better experiencing Chinese culture, the entire venue is divided into four parts. There are mini-Chinese-classroom, Chinese calligraphy and painting, Chinese paper cutting, Chinese dance and Chinese Kungfu performances as well as ‘Confucius Institute Day’ theme photography exhibitions. The students and other audiences show great interest in taking part in. The atmosphere is very active. The audiences say that their interest in Chinese language and Chinese culture become stronger after this experiencing event.
16:00 sharp, Chinese Ambassador Mr. Yang Guoqiang conducts a speech. He recalls the past 3 years of Confucius Institute at University of Latvia, appreciates the achievement of Confucius Institute at University of Latvia and other fields of Chinese teaching in Latvia, expresses his sincere thanks to the two deans of the Confucius Institute, and looks forward to the brilliant future of Confucius Institute.
And then, State Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Mr. Andrejs•Pildegovichs gives a speech both in Latvian and Chinese. He says he is surprised at and proud of the rapid development of Chinese education in Latvia, thanks Confucius Institute for providing learning opportunities for more and more people, and expresses a sincere wish for a better tomorrow of Confucius Institute.
After that, Vice rector of Latvia University and president of Confucius Institute Council Prof. Andris•Kangro and head of the library Mrs. Venta•Kocere also carry out a passionate speech to congratulate the 10th anniversary of Confucius Institute.
Following is the wonderful performances. Led by Riga Martial Art Association, several Latvian handsome guys performed a wonderful Chinese Kungfu and lion dance, which leads to bursts of applause from time to time. Next, 5 students from Faculty of Humanities sang a Chinese folk song ‘Kangding Qingge’ (Kangding love song). Two volunteer teachers demonstrated the Chinese tea ceremony together ‘Cha zhi Yun’ (Tea Rhythm). Chinese teacher Wang Qiongzai continued the interpretation of ‘tea’. With a melodious song ‘Dawan Cha’ (tea served in big bowl), she conquers the audience. After that, student of the University of Daugavpils Laura Bicane performs a song ‘Waipo de Penghuwan’ (Grandma’s Penghu Bay) with guitar. Three volunteer teachers also presented a performance ‘Yueguang xia de Fengweizhu’ (Fengweizhu in Moonligh)which is a cooperation of cucurbit flute, Dai dance and traditional Chinese painting. The audiences also learn the Dai dance ont the spot, which promote the delighting atmosphere. Mr. He Qing subsequently sings a Chinese song ‘Dengdai’ (wait). Finally, Riga cultural school students present a choral song ‘Moli Hua’ (Jasmine).
In the beautiful melody, the whole celebration comes to an end. All the audiences sing the song Moli Hua’ (Jasmine) together to express their good wishes to Confucius Institute, which promote the wonderful events to a climax.
In past 10 years, the Confucius Institutes’ development has been sharp and they have provided scope for people all over the world to learn about Chinese language and culture. By the end of 2013, 440 Confucius Institutes and 646 Confucius Classrooms have been established in 120 countries (regions). Confucius Institutes have been established in 115 countries (regions). Among them, 93 are in 32 Asian countries (regions); 37 in 27 African countries; 149 in 37 European countries; 144 in 16 American countries and 17 in 3 Oceanian countries. Confucius Classrooms have been established in 48 countries. Among them, 50 in 13 Asian countries; 10 in 8 African countries; 153 in 18 European countries; 384 in 6 American countries and 49 in 2 Oceanian countries.
As the earliest region to provide Chinese learning opportunity in Baltic countries, Latvia has more than 20 learning point so far. More than 4000 Latvian citizens have learned Chinese language or Chinese Kungfu. Started from 4th, November,2011, Confucius Institute at University of Latvia has gone for 3 years.The Confucius Institutes have become a platform for cultural exchanges between China and Latvia as well as a bridge reinforcing friendship and cooperation between China and Latvia and are much welcomed across the globe.