From Giraffes to Partnerships: A Historic Bond
The ties between China and Africa have deep historical roots, dating back to an intriguing episode known as “giraffe diplomacy.” In the 1410s, during the Ming Dynasty, Chinese navigator Zheng He embarked on monumental ocean voyages that reached as far as East Africa. He returned to China with an African giraffe, a creature never before seen in the country. The Chinese, mistaking it for a mythical unicorn, believed it symbolized wisdom and benevolence. This monumental event marked the beginning of early exchanges between Chinese and African peoples.
Since then, the relationship between China and Africa has flourished, strengthening people-to-people connections and infusing new cultural vitality into their cooperation.
Empowering Youth through Education
Osman, a young man from Djibouti, harbored a childhood dream of becoming a railway worker. This dream became a reality thanks to the Djibouti Luban Workshop, established in 2019. Named after the ancient Chinese craftsman Lu Ban, the workshop offers a three-year program combining engineering theories and practical training. Upon graduation, Osman secured an internship at the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, the first electrified railway in Africa built by China.
Since 2018, at least 11 Luban Workshops have been set up across 10 African countries, offering tailored courses aligned with local development needs. These workshops provide education in over 70 disciplines, including industrial robotics, cloud computing, logistics management, traditional Chinese medicine, cross-border e-commerce, and smart agriculture. Tens of thousands of young Africans like Osman have acquired valuable skills, enabling them to actively participate in the fast-paced world and secure better futures for themselves.
Bridging Cultures through Language
As Nelson Mandela once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” The growing investments from China in Africa have sparked a rising interest in the Chinese language across the continent.
In recent years, more African students are learning Chinese to enhance their career prospects and engage more deeply with Chinese culture. This linguistic bridge not only facilitates better communication but also fosters mutual understanding and respect between the two regions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
