On June 28, 2025, the Confucius Classroom Summer Camp organized for Cadet College Petaro concluded successfully at Sichuan Normal University in Chengdu, China. The camp was a 14-day cultural exchange program held from June 16 to 29 under the theme “Language Connectivity, Cultural Exchange, and Youth Mutual Trust,” involving 29 students and 3 teachers from Pakistan.
The closing ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Zheng Hongying, Director of International Exchange and Cooperation at Sichuan Normal University, and Professor Shao Yin, Chinese Director of the Confucius Classroom at Cadet College Petaro, along with other Pakistani and Chinese faculty and volunteers.
During the ceremony, Director Zheng Hongying engaged warmly with the visiting students using the Chinese language they had learned during their stay, incorporating local Chengdu cultural references to test their understanding. Her approach left a strong impression on the students and highlighted the deepening bond between the Chinese and Pakistani people.
Mr. Syed Ahsan Ali Shah, Assistant Professor and Head of the Cambridge System at Cadet College Petaro, expressed appreciation to the organizers for their hospitality and well-rounded program. He emphasized how the camp successfully blended academic learning with cultural exploration, providing students with knowledge and a broader worldview. He expressed hope for continued student participation in such exchanges.
Student representative Abdul Hassan shared his experiences, calling the camp a remarkable and unforgettable journey. He highlighted how cultural activities like calligraphy and martial arts gave students a rich understanding of Chinese traditions, while visits to historical and technological sites showcased China’s progress and heritage. He hoped for more such programs to further explore Chinese culture.
The summer camp included a diverse range of language classes, cultural workshops, and educational visits. Activities like poetry, mask-making, martial arts, and calligraphy were paired with excursions to sites such as the Chengdu Panda Base, Jinli Ancient Street, and the Sichuan Science & Technology Museum.
The program followed a “Learn + Experience + Reflect” model, strengthening students’ language proficiency and cross-cultural understanding. It also fostered greater friendship under the Belt and Road Initiative’s vision of cultural connectivity.
As one participant reflected, “China is no longer a distant land in textbooks — it’s the brush in my hand, the fragrance of tea, and the energy of a vibrant city.” The camp stood out as a model people-to-people exchange initiative within the Confucius Institute framework, enhancing mutual trust and promoting long-term educational and diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan. Organizers recommended continuing such engagements to build on the success and deepen bilateral friendship.
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