Several Gisborne schools are embracing New Zealand Chinese Language Week by running special programmes designed to promote and celebrate the language and culture.

Kaiti School has activities happening every day this week, including a table tennis tournament and art and cultural activities such as cherry blossom tree blow art. There is also a school-wide challenge, with classes making a movie to showcase five Chinese phrases.

Makaraka School is celebrating learning Chinese language through dance, songs, calligraphy, Chinese food and paper cutting.

Now in its third year, NZ Chinese Language Week aims to raise awareness of the need for greater understanding of culture and language between New Zealand and China — our largest trading partner.

The Confucius Institute NZ funds a Mandarin teacher programme and nine Gisborne schools have taken advantage of this by sharing three Mandarin language assistants (MLA).

Kaiti School shares a Mandarin teacher with Ilminster Intermediate and Waikirikiri School, and students participate in two lessons a week.

Gisborne Girls’ High School shares an MLA with Lytton High and Campion College, and the third is shared by St Mary’s, Central and Makaraka.

https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/3043455-135/week-of-chinese-culture-in-schools/