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Music contest enhances China, Malawi ties

Building bilateral relations is no longer just about government meetings or trade deals. Nowadays, sharing culture, language and experiences has become part of the package.

One meaningful way to do that is through music. And that is exactly what happened in Lilongwe last week when children from six Malawian schools took part in a Chinese song competition.

Good Sherphard International School performs at the show. | Courtesy of Yanli

According to Good Shepherd International School principal Janefrances Alaoma, one of the organisers, the event was also part of their mission to promote intellectual excellence, cultural appreciation and linguistic diversity.

She added that it was a step towards creating stronger ties between Malawi and China as well as a chance for young people to improve language learning.

“We believe that young minds must be nurtured. At the same time language learning thrives on creativity, songs, performances, and dance which help learners absorb vocabulary more naturally and meaningfully as they learn about culture,” said Alaoma.

Educational and cultural exchanges are not new, but their value continues to grow where mutual understanding is crucial.

Such initiatives are now part of a growing global trend where countries use cultural diplomacy to engage with younger generations.

Event sponsor China General Chamber of Commerce in Malawi through its president Zhou Shanjian said it was crucial in fostering the relationship between China and Malawi.

“Language and culture are the bridges that connect people’s hearts and promoting Chinese language is a key step in deepening mutual understanding and friendship between our two nations,” he said.

Zhou said through such initiatives students not only improve their language skills, but also gain a deeper appreciation for Chinese art, history and create lasting memories.

“We hope that this competition will become a platform where students can showcase their talents, express their love for the Chinese language, and make lasting memorie, ” he said.

The competition drew participation from Good Shepherd International, Mkwichi Primary School, Catholic Institute Community Day Secondary School, EaglesNest Christian Academy and Amitofo Care Centre.

Thirty-three students competed across three categories of Basic Solo, Secondary Solo and Ensemble, with each category producing 11 winners who walked away with certificates and cash prizes.

The moment of the day came when an ensemble from Mkwichi Primary School from Area 47 in Lilongwe performed a harmonious rendition of a Chinese song, yet they do not learn Chinese.

Dressed in their school uniform, the pupils danced and sang with an infectious passion for Chinese  that  drew loud applause from the audience.

According to David Pierre, African Union’s Ambassador to Malawi, such events are key in building mutual respect.

“Chinese songs carry profound lyrics, values and history. When Malawian students sing them, they become cultural messengers. This is a unique way to nurture global citizens,” he said.

Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education representative Lindiwe Chide said the event deepened cultural exchange.

She also said there is growing interest for learning Chinese among Malawian learners and the music competition is a step towards that.

“Music breaks through cultural and linguistic barriers. Through Chinese songs, our students have gained language skills and also a new perspective in another culture,” said Chide.

For the organisers and sponsors, the event was the culmination of months of planning and commitment to cross-cultural education.

China General Chamber of Commerce in Malawi has previously supported schools with textbooks and costumes, and this competition marked an expansion of their cultural outreach.

As the final group took the stage and the last notes echoed through the hall, it was clear that for most student what stood out was experience.

It may have marked the beginning of a lifelong interest in language learning or international studies.

In a world often divided by difference, events like these highlight the beauty of learning from one another one thing was loud that culture, like music, knows no borders.

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