NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 24 — A Kenyan primary school pupil who began learning Chinese through YouTube and Facebook has emerged as Africa’s champion in the 6th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Show for Foreign Primary School Students, becoming one of five continental champions in the global competition.

📻 Breaking It Down

Chinese officials have hailed Wanjiru Ethan Noah’s achievement as an example of how young learners can build cross-cultural connections through language, mentorship and determination.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said Ethan’s journey into Chinese was unusual because he initially had no formal classroom instruction.

Instead, he and his brother, Ebrahim Matthew, began teaching themselves Chinese through YouTube and Facebook videos after developing an interest in the language.

📌 What You Need to Know

Three years ago, the brothers registered for the HSK Level 1 examination at the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University.

“Being the youngest candidates in the room, they immediately caught the eyes of the teachers and the director,” Ambassador Guo said.

The teachers subsequently began mentoring the brothers, providing textbooks and study materials and supporting them as they progressed through additional HSK examinations.

Their teachers later recommended them for the “Chinese Bridge” competition and guided them through the competition before accompanying them to China for the global finals.

Guo said the support extended beyond the teachers who were still serving at the institution, with a former teacher returning to the competition venue to coach and encourage the brothers.

“The two brothers worked incredibly hard, and their teachers were with them every step of the way,” Guo said.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya