CELEBRATING THE CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR AT CHANCO

On 4^th February, to celebrate the dawn of the Chinese Lunar New Year (also known as the Spring Festival) and the forthcoming establishment of the Confucius Institute, a small function was organized at the Senior Common Room of Chancellor College. In attendance was the Director of the Confucius Institute, Professor Feng Jian Guo, who spoke of progress in establishing the first Confucius Institute in Malawi. The Institute is scheduled be opened in February, 2016, and will be physically located at Kamuzu College of Nursing campus in Lilongwe.

The function was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John D. K. Saka, the college Principal, Prof. Richard Tambulasi, the College Librarian, Mr. D. B Vuwa Phiri, the College Registrar Mrs. Mary Wasiri, and various other members of staff from the college. In his speech, the Principal expressed delight at the continuing collaboration and partnership between Malawi and China. He observed that Chancellor College was already benefiting from the partnership since several people had already travelled to China for short courses. In addition, both students and staff were benefiting from the Chinese language courses already being offered. “Chancellor College is naturally the best institution for such a partnership due to the focus on language and culture across several of our departments”, observed the Principal.

During the event, there were several presentations made by the Chinese delegation, which included a graceful display of Tai Chi, an elegant classical song dance, and a performance of the bawu (a wind instrument), all spiced by quiz questions on Chinese culture, geography and nationalities. Winners of the quiz walked away with items of Chinese ceramic ware.

The Spring Festival falls on the first day of the first month of the year. It originated in the Shang dynasty. It is one month later than the Gregorian calendar. In 2016, the new year begins on 8^th February, and will be known as a Year of the Monkey.