The national finals of the “Bridge to Chinese” competition, co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Tchad and the Confucius Institute at the University of N’Djamena, brought together the brightest minds to showcase linguistic prowess and cultural exchange between the two nations. Held at the Mother-Child Humanities University of N’Djamena, the event underscored Tchad’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and international friendship.

Mahamat Saleh Daoussa Haggar, President of the University of N’Djamena, emphasized that this competition transcends mere academic achievement. In his address, he described it as a symbol of global transformation, a testament to a rising youth, and a reflection of Tchad’s growing openness to the world through education and intercultural dialogue. He paid tribute to the youth, highlighting that investing in education is an investment in peace, development, and national stability. Chinese proverbs were woven into his speech to reinforce the message of forward-thinking and knowledge-sharing with future generations.

The competition aligns with the University of N’Djamena’s goal of deepening cultural and academic ties with China while encouraging students to embrace global languages and opportunities. This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of N’Djamena, a milestone that has redefined the institution’s academic and international landscape. Over the past six years, the institute has evolved from a language learning center into a vibrant hub for cultural dialogue, intellectual exchange, and human transformation.

Wang Xining, China’s Ambassador to Tchad, addressed the audience, emphasizing how the competition serves as a platform to unite students in mastering the Chinese language. The event’s location at the University of N’Djamena underscores the pivotal role of academia in strengthening bilateral relations.

The Ambassador highlighted the robust cooperation between Tchad and China, particularly in higher education, university exchanges, and youth development. He expressed gratitude for the scholarships, exchange programs, and Confucius Institute initiatives that have empowered Tchadian students. Learning a foreign language, he noted, is not just about mastering vocabulary or culture—it’s about building bridges between civilizations and preparing a generation to thrive in an interconnected world.

The theme of the competition, “Bridge to Chinese,” is more than a linguistic challenge; it symbolizes a cultural and human connection between the two nations. By learning Chinese, Tchadian students are not only expanding their horizons but also becoming ambassadors of this bilateral relationship, contributing to a shared future of mutual understanding and growth.

The Ambassador also extended his appreciation to university leaders, educators, and students for their dedication. He stressed that proficiency in Chinese opens doors to personal and professional development while strengthening the friendship between the peoples of Tchad and China.

Meanwhile, both governments are aligning the 15th Five-Year Plan of China with Tchad’s Chad Connexion 2030 strategy to create new avenues for pragmatic cooperation. This alignment aims to inject fresh momentum into the modernization efforts of both countries, ensuring tangible benefits for their citizens.