The Antigua and Barbuda Confucius Institute will extend its operations for another five years under an agreement between the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China.
Known for teaching Mandarin in secondary schools, including the Sir Novelle Richards Academy and Glanvilles Secondary School, the institute will now incorporate Kung Fu into its curriculum. Listine Bradshaw, SNRA’s Principal, announced the addition, highlighting its physical and mental benefits.
Zhang Yanling, the Resident Ambassador to St. John’s, commended Antigua and Barbuda for its pioneering role in diplomatic relations with China, noting its status as the first Eastern Caribbean country to establish ties and join the Belt and Road Initiative.
During the signing ceremony at SNRA, Senator Shenella Govia expressed gratitude for Chinese support. She underscored the importance of language in development, expressing delight that students now have the opportunity to learn Mandarin, especially at newer educational institutions like SNRA and Glanvilles.
The agreement was signed by Senator Govia, Gayle Greene-Phillip, Head of the CIAB, Arlene Weste, Director of the Harrison Centre, and Professor Cao Renging from the Confucius Institute at Zhejiang International Studies University.
The ceremony featured a Mandarin song performance by students Joanna Humphreys and Olia Campbell, as well as a Kung Fu demonstration by Dr. Wu Wei.
