Chinese Consul General visits Derry college's thriving Confucius Institute Hub

PICTURED ABOVE: Chinese Consul General Li Nan pictured during last week's visit to St. Columb's College to see first hand the thriving Confucius Institute Hub. Included is the Deputy Mayor Darren Guy, Principal Mrs. Caroline McLaughlin, senior teachers, members of the board of governors, visiting members of the Chinese Consul, representatives from the Confucius Institute, Derry City and Strabane District Council and students. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

St Columb’s College played host to a very special guest on Friday morning last when the Chinese Consul General Li Nan paid a visit to the school’s thriving Confucius Institute Hub and said the Chinese Consulate is always willing to do more with Northern Ireland schools to bring the Chinese language and culture closer.

IN PICTURES: Chinese Consul General visits St. Columb’s College

Confucius Institutes are public educational organisations, funded by the Chinese government, that promote Chinese language and culture, and facilitate cultural and educational exchanges worldwide. 

Describing the day as a wonderful experience, Li Nan added: "It was a lovely visit to the beautiful campus of St. Columb’s College in Derry. I fully enjoyed the Chinese Zodiac posters, Chinese tea tasting, Chinese Kung Fu practice and all the other activities with the students.

"Education is an important part of China/Northern Ireland mutually beneficial co-operation, and the young generation is the future! The Chinese Consulate is always willing to do more with Northern Ireland schools to bring the Chinese language and culture closer."

Also in attendance at last Friday’s event were the Deputy Mayor, Darren Guy, members of the school’s board, representatives from the DCSDC and Ulster University, senior staff, Head Boy Aaron O’Doherty, and of course, the school’s two Chinese teachers – Noah and Miss Tao.

The Consul General received a guard of honour by the school’s prefects, before getting an in-depth history of the college and its past students.

This was a significant visit for St. Columb’s as the school has grown their Confucius Institute significantly since 2012 to include eight partner schools from across the city that include Steelstown PS, Holy Family PS, St Patrick’s PS, Greenhaw PS, St Therese’s PS, Holy Child PS, St Eithne’s PS and Foyle College. 

Mr. Nan then enjoyed a tour of the College including a visit to the Music Department for some traditional Irish music and dance, Confucius Institute workshops, quizzes, sport and artwork and also took the opportunity to partake in a Chinese Tea Ceremony with students. 

Speaking after Friday’s historic visit, Mrs. Caroline McLaughlin, Principal, said it was an honour to have the Consul General take time out of his busy schedule to visit the school.

"Through our Confucius Institute Hub we have been able to offer our boys the opportunity to not only learn Mandarin, but to experience a culture totally different from our own,’ she said.

"Our pupils have experienced music, dance, food, sports and customs which otherwise they would not have encountered. These experiences will stay with them long after they leave our school and help to encourage respect and mutual understanding. 

"It was wonderful to see Mr. Nan join us today and witness first-hand the excellent work that goes on at St. Columb’s College."

Adding to those sentiments, Mrs. Patrice McConnell, Senior Teacher/Hub Co-Ordinator said it was a delightful day for all involved.

"It certainly was an honour for all of us here at St. Columb’s to meet Consul General Li and we were extremely proud to be able to showcase the school and our work with the Confucius Institute to our special guests. Today, our students were excellent ambassadors, and we couldn’t be prouder of them."