File photo shows Chinese teacher Tan Jizhi (C) posing for a group photo with students in Chinese traditional opera costumes at Confucius Institute of the University of Kenyatta in Nairobi, capital of Kenya. (Xinhua/Pan Siwei)
NAIROBI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- One of Kenya's oldest universities on Friday marked Confucius Institute Day in a glittering ceremony attended by hundreds of students, faculty members and civilians keen to learn about Chinese culture.
The Confucius Institute Day at Kenyatta University featured thrilling performances from students that included Chinese traditional and contemporary music, dance and costumes.
Zhuo Hao, a Chinese lecturer at Kenyatta University's Confucius Institute, said it has raised the visibility of Chinese language and culture in Kenya since its establishment one decade ago.
"The Confucius Institute has made significant progress in teaching activities, cultural activities and media coverage," said Zhuo, adding that more than 3,000 students had enrolled at Kenyatta University's Confucius Institute.
Chinese entrepreneurs based in Kenya also attended the 5th Confucius Institute Day that showcased the time-honored beauty of Chinese performing arts and costume.
Zhuo noted that Confucius Institute Day that also features Chinese language and cultural experience activities, Chinese textbook exhibitions and cultural performances in all parts of the world, had a powerful resonance in Kenya amid blossoming diplomatic ties.
He revealed that Kenyatta University is developing a comprehensive Confucius Institute that integrates teaching, cultural exchange and academic research.
Dozens of university and middle school students staged riveting performances that included lion dance, martial arts and traditional Chinese costume show.
Kamau Wango, the Kenyan Director at the Confucius Institute of Kenyatta University, said that local youths had broken new ground in their mastery of Chinese language, culture, music and dance thanks to establishment of Confucius Institutes in four leading universities.
"As we mark the fifth edition of Confucius Institute Day, we are reminded of the milestone this country has achieved in popularizing Chinese language and culture to the youthful population," said Wango.
He disclosed that the Confucius Institute will soon launch a degree course in Chinese language once the approval process is completed.
Confucius Institute Day, which was set up in 2014 to mark the 10th anniversary of the first Confucius Institute, falls on Sept. 27 each year.
