WILLEMSTAD — On June 1, Acting Consul General of China, Mr. Wang Fanfu, delivered remarks at an International Children’s Day celebration, marking a significant occasion of cultural cooperation between Curaçao Chinese School and Kolegio Nechi Pieter, a local primary school.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Wang extended warm wishes on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General to the principals, teachers, and students of both schools, emphasizing health, happiness, and progress for all children.
“This is the first time Curaçao Chinese School and a local primary school celebrate this international holiday together,” Mr. Wang said. He expressed his happiness over the schools’ new partnership and highlighted the event’s role as a bridge for cross-cultural communication. He hopes their collaboration will deepen mutual understanding between Chinese and local cultures and sow the seeds of lasting friendship among the children.
Mr. Wang also introduced the Curaçao Chinese School to those less familiar with it, noting its founding in 2014 and close cooperation with educational institutions in Guangdong, China. The school has graduated approximately 1,600 students and has seen a rising number of students returning to China for further study and work. He highlighted the increasing enrollment of non-Chinese students as a sign of the school’s success in promoting Chinese culture while fostering stronger ties between the Chinese and local communities.
Regarding Kolegio Nechi Pieter, the Acting Consul General praised the school’s openness to Chinese culture, noting the interest from students and parents despite limited prior exposure to China or the Chinese language. He expressed confidence that the students’ enthusiasm and hard work will enhance future China-Curaçao relations.
Mr. Wang emphasized the importance of language and cultural exchange as a means of strengthening international friendship. He referenced the role of the Chinese language in connecting China with the world and highlighted China’s commitment to peace and mutual respect as core cultural values. He also mentioned President Xi Jinping’s 2023 Global Civilization Initiative, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Wang reaffirmed the Chinese Consulate’s dedication to fostering cultural exchanges and cooperation with Curaçao. He praised the collaboration between the Chinese Curaçao School and local institutions like Kolegio Nechi Pieter as vital to enhancing friendship between the two peoples.
The official ceremony welcoming the new partnership symbolizes a step forward in building bridges of understanding and friendship between China and Curaçao’s younger generations.
