Second 2017 In-Service Training Workshop for Confucius Institute Directors Kicks Off

On October 15th, the second 2017 In-Service Training Workshop for Confucius Institute Directors hosted by the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) kicked off in Xiamen University. 32 foreign directors of the Confucius Institutes from 22 countries were present at the workshop. With Zhan Xinli, Vice President of Xiamen University presiding over the opening ceremony, Zhang Rong, President of Xiamen University and Zhao Guocheng, Deputy Chief Executive of the Confucius Institute Headquarters and Deputy Director of Hanban attended and addressed the ceremony. Carmela S. Dizon, Director of the Confucius Institute at Angeles University Foundation in the Philippines, delivered a speech on behalf of the trainees.

Zhang Rong, President of Xiamen University delivering a speech

President Zhang Rong extended warm welcome to the directors from afar and stated that Xiamen University attaches great importance to this workshop, and designs diverse activities for the participants. He expected them to hold wide-ranging and in-depth discussions about how to run the Confucius Institute so as to enhance their awareness, cement mutual friendship and jointly push the Confucius Institutes for better development.

Carmela S. Dizon, Foreign Director of the Confucius Institute at Angeles University Foundation in the Philippines, delivering a speech at the ceremony

Carmela talked about her own acquaintance with the Confucius Institute. She expressed heartfelt thanks to thoughtful planning of the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) and meticulous preparations of Xiamen University, and looked forward to acquiring new knowledge in the workshop.

Zhao Guocheng, Deputy Chief Executive of the Confucius Institute Headquarters and Deputy Director of Hanban, delivering a speech

Deputy Director Zhao Guocheng pointed out in his speech that the Confucius Institute, jointly established by both Chinese and foreign parties, is committed to meeting the needs from people all over the world to learn Chinese, enhancing their understanding of Chinese language and culture, as well as promoting cooperation in educational and cultural exchanges between China and other countries. He emphasized that directors play a core role in fulfilling the mission of the Confucius Institute and serve as a key factor in their sustainable development. And he also expressed the hope that the participants could focus on three key points of “education, language and corporation” and closely cooperate with Chinese directors in an attempt to well run the Confucius Institute, thus making contributions to strengthening friendly ties between China and other countries where Confucius Institutes are located as well as promoting the development of diversified world culture against the backdrop of the complicated international situation.

The opening ceremony

The 9-day workshop will invite experts and scholars from home and abroad to give lectures on Chinese economic construction, educational development, social reforms, traditional culture and etc. Directors will also have opportunities to visit Gulangyu Island (the World Cultural Heritage site), Xiamen Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Xiamen museum and other places to experience personally the urban development in China as well as extensive and profound Chinese culture.