Vice Minister of Education Sun Yao Visits Confucius Institute at University of Lisbon

On March 23th, local time, Sun Yao, Vice Minister of Education, accompanied by his delegation, paid a visit to the Confucius Institute at the University of Lisbon to inspect the running conditions of the Institute and provide guidance on its distinctive development.

Sun Yao listened to the work report from the two directors of the Confucius Institute, and visited the offices, the cultural experience room and the reading room.

Sun Yao visiting the Confucius Institute

At the faculty meeting of the Institute, Sun Yao pointed out that traditional Chinese culture must be closely integrated into Chinese teaching by introducing historical stories and thoughts of prestigious figures to foreign students, which will help them better understand the great wisdom of the Chinese nation and thus stimulate their interest in learning Chinese. He also highlighted that Chinese Language teachers must grasp the essence of cultural aspects, and be willing to spread them. They should introduce traditional Chinese values and classical literary works in a pleasant manner so as to evoke the students’ echo of enthusiasm.

Faculty meeting

Foreign Director Qi Liya addressed to the delegates the Institute’s efforts in disseminating Chinese culture. Since its founding ten years ago, the Confucius Institute at the University of Lisbon has not only focused on Chinese teaching but also carried out a wide range of cultural activities, promoting local residents’ understanding of traditional Chinese culture and improving exchanges and cooperation between China and Portugal in such fields such as language, literature, arts, Chinese medicine and martial arts.

Sun Yao and other delegates also had a conversation with the leaders of the University of Lisbon. They agreed on the development of the Confucius Institute, and recognized their significant role in Chinese teaching, cultural exchanges and public service. They also held a discussion over the cooperation in areas such as teacher training, vocational education and traditional Chinese medicine. This visit proved to be a complete success.

Sun Yao (fifth from the left) and the leaders of the University of Lisbon

The Confucius Institute at the University of Lisbon was established in 2008, and has won the award “2017 Confucius Institute of the Year”.