On Sep. 20, Confucius Institutes all over the world held various ceremonies and events to celebrate the first Confucius Institute Day and the 10th anniversary of the institutes' establishment.
Prof. Tong Shijun, Chairman of ECNU University Council, lectures at Clinton School of Public Services in University of Arkansas. That makes Tong the first Chinese university leader and scholar who has ever given lectures at Clinton School of Public Services.
At the ceremony held at the headquarter of Confucius Institutes, Vice Premier Liu Yandong read from a letter written by Chinese President Xi Jinping in which he congratulated teachers and students of Confucius Institutes all over the world. Xi praised Confucius Institute principals for their enthusiasm and efforts in disseminating knowledge and promoting hearth-to-heart communication. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also wrote a congratulatory letter, urging the institutes to further improve teaching quality and contribute more to promoting the diversity of world cultures. His letter was also read by Liu during Saturday's ceremony.
Prof. Tong Shijun visits the Confucius Institute at University of Central Arkansas and participates in the Chinese cultural events held there with Tom Courtway, President of University of Arkansas.
The institutes, named after ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, serve as non-profit public institutions to help foreigners better understand China through language teaching and culture introduction in universities overseas. The first such institute was established in 2004. To date, China has opened 465 Confucius Institutes in 123 countries and regions. There are also 713 Confucius Classrooms operating in middle and primary schools.
On Sep. 27, the Alumni Association of ECNU International Chinese Teacher is founded. Yang Changli, Vice Chairman of ECNU University Council, attends the founding ceremony held at Confucius Institute at the University of Basel.
Over the past 10 years, the institutes have been vigorous in launching Mandarin teaching and cultural communication programs and have played an important role in appreciation of world civilizations and in enhancing understanding and friendship between Chinese people and people of other countries.
Yang (center) participates in the actitities held held by Confucius Institute at the University of Basel.
Confucius Institutes hold various activities to celebrate the first Confucius Institute Day.
As one of the major Chinese partner universities of Confucius Institutes，ECNU has opened 8 Confucius Institutes in the United States and Europe since 2005. During the past years, all the institutes have made great achievements with their own characteristics in Mandarin teaching and cultural communication among China and other countries. On Sep. 20, all the 8 institutes also held colorful events to celebrate the first Confucius Institute Day.
Written by: Liu Jinyu
