From June 24 to 28,2025, Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus (hereinafter referred to as CI) actively participated in the language day events held at Providence School and Wills Primary School. The institute showcased Chinese culture, classical music, and dance performances, which were widely praised by teachers and students from both schools, promoting the growing popularity of Chinese among local private schools.
On June 24, CI teachers first attended the event at Providence School. Providence School, a private school that spans from primary to high school, is located in the capital and has students from various embassies. The school is known for its strict academic atmosphere and long-standing reputation in the area. At this year’s language day, CI sent teacher Zhang Yanhong to perform the guzheng piece’ Spring River Moonlit Night,’ and volunteer teacher Wan Zidan performed Chinese traditional dance on stage, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience. In the cultural exhibition area, CI organized activities such as reading Chinese characters, calligraphy, and shuttlecock kicking, and displayed souvenirs featuring Chinese cultural elements, including bookmarks, fridge magnets, and postcards. These unique and exquisite cultural exhibits and experiences attracted enthusiastic participation from students of all ages.
Zhang Yanhong and Wan Zidan performed together at Providence School
CI teachers took a group photo at the vibrant cultural exhibition
Wang Fenghe and Wan Zidan taught students to read Chinese characters
On the afternoon of June 28, CI teachers were invited again to Wills Primary School to participate in the school’s International Culture Day event. Wills Primary School is a private primary school in Barbados that has been recognized for its excellent teaching and is highly regarded by local Chinese families. CI began its collaboration with Wills Primary School in 2024. This year, the school’s Language Day featured a theme focusing on Asian countries, and it was the first time that the Confucius Institute was invited to showcase Chinese culture and language. CI took this opportunity very seriously and made thorough preparations. Considering the lively and energetic nature of primary school students, CI provided a variety of Chinese games. The students at Wills Primary School were full of curiosity and eagerly lined up to experience Chinese calligraphy and word recognition. Various Chinese postcards, architectural and urban stickers, sachets, and other exquisite souvenirs were highly favored by the children. They exchanged game tokens from the Culture Day for gifts at the CI booth. With such a unique cultural experience and a precious gift, their faces were filled with joy.
CI teachers took a group photo at the Wills Primary School booth
Local students actively participated in Chinese games
After the events, leaders from both schools highly praised the contributions of the CI teachers in broadening students’ cultural horizons and specially sent the teachers back to CI to express their sincere gratitude. These two events not only enhanced the understanding of Chinese culture among local primary and secondary school students but also allowed them to experience the unique charm of the Chinese language and culture through a variety of engaging activities. In addition to expanding teaching points in public schools in Barbados, CI ‘s cultural activities have garnered significant attention from local private schools, where the enthusiasm for learning Chinese is growing. The Confucius Institute will continue to contribute to meeting the local demand for Chinese language education.
Text: Ma Yihua, Images: Li Qingmo, Revised by: Nie Lu