The annual competition among students in secondary schools where they
showcased their ability to speak and write the language and interpret the Chinese
culture, has just been completed with the Antigua Girls High School emerging as
the winner.
Organised by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Antigua and
Barbuda, the highly anticipated 3rd Chinese Proficiency Competition for
Secondary School students was held last week. This event brought together 11
talented students from three institutions: Sir Novelle Richards Academy, the
Antigua Girls High School, and Glanvilles Secondary School.
Speakers at the event included the resident Ambassador of the PRC, Zhang
Yanling, the Principal of Sir Novelle Richards Academy -the first institution in
Antigua and Barbuda to introduce a Mandarin program-, Listine Bradshaw, and a
teacher of the Glanvilles Secondary School, Shanise Looby
Ambassador Zhang encapsulated the progress made during the three sessions of
Chinese Proficiency Competitions which have seen, among others, more
contestants signing up for the Competition and wider participation in terms of
judges and audience. Her remarks also echoed the mission of the Global
Civilization Initiative, which was proposed by China last March, and reiterated the
Embassy’s unwavering commitment to fostering educational and cultural
exchanges between China and Antigua and Barbuda.
The remarks delivered by Bradshaw emphasized the role of the competition as a
platform where local secondary school students can showcase their level of
knowledge, in the learning of the Mandarin language and their appreciation for the
Chinese culture and highlighted that learning Mandarin would help bridge the
communication gap between the two countries. Ms. Looby briefed the audience on
the Mandarin program that Glanvilles Secondary School has implemented.
The contestants showcased their talents and linguistic abilities, leaving the
audience captivated throughout the event. Each contestant delivered a compelling
speech, entirely in Mandarin, providing a glimpse into their personalities expressed
through another language. The students also displayed their diverse talents, with
participants dancing, singing Chinese songs, playing musical instruments, reciting
literature and poetry, and even presenting live paintings before a panel of judges,
comprising individuals of Chinese ethnicity, as well as Antiguan and Barbudan
nationals proficient in Chinese literacy.
