A Grand Gathering for Chinese Language with the Theme of “One World, One Family”
Confucius Institute at SS Cyril and Methodius University Holds 17th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students

On May 12th, local time, the Confucius Institute at SS Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje held the Macedonian final round of the 17th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students. The contest was attended by more than 100 people, including Biljana Angleova, Vice-Rector of SS Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Vlatko Stoilkov, Macedonian Director of the Confucius Institute, Mao Qingwen, Counsellor of Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Macedonia, Liao Wei, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, teachers and students of the Confucius Institute, overseas Chinese in Macedonia and local people.

Before the competition, Veratco Stoyukov and Liao Wei respectively delivered speeches, introducing the purpose of the Confucius Institute and its achievements in the past two years, and wishing the competitors good results.

The theme of the competition was “One World, One Family”. After a preliminary contest, 20 candidates entered the final. They competed in both the themed speech and the talent show.

A contestant performing calligraphy

A contestant singing “Ode to Red Plum Blossoms”

A contestant playing the guitar

In order to show their best talents, contestants used all their skills. Some, dressed in Hanfu (traditional clothing of Han Chinese ethnic group), waved their long sleeves and danced gracefully; some, dressed in cheongsam, performed a play, their language so witty and lively that the audience laughed heartily. Some amazed the audience with their Chinese songs Ode to Red Plum Blossoms and I Love You, China. In addition, programs such as calligraphy, painting and poem recitation also won enthusiastic applause from the audience.

A contestant reciting a poem

Contestants performing a short play “My Macedonian Boyfriend”

After an intense competition and combining with their previous written test results, in the end, Ana Manova from the second grade of the Confucius Institute won the first prize, Maja Stojkovska from the fourth grade, the second and Ivana Ivanova from the first grade, the third.

In the awarding ceremony in the afternoon, Mao Qingwen first delivered his speech. He said that the success of this event was credited to the strong support of Macedonia. China and Macedonia are both countries with a long history and a splendid culture. Language learning is the best way to promote mutual understanding, cooperation and exchanges.

Mao Qingwen delivering a speech

In her speech, Biljana Angleova said that she was very happy to see Confucius Institutes growing better and having more and more students. The theme of this event “One World, One Family” expressed the wish for peace and development. It served as a model for concrete exchanges and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Today, young Macedonians are learning Chinese with their Chinese teachers, thus building a bridge of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Biljana Angleova delivering a speech

Then, the guests awarded prizes and certificates to the winners.

Awarding ceremony

Awarding ceremony

Group photo

A number of Macedonian media covered this event.

Story by Zhang Tinghong