Sharon Khumomotse, who goes by the Chinese name Kong Fengmei, delivers a speech during the finals of the Botswanan leg of the 25th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for foreign college students in Gaborone, Botswana, April 24, 2026. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)

GABORONE, April 24 (Xinhua) -- For Sharon Khumomotse, the top winner of the finals of the Botswanan leg of the 25th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for foreign college students held in Gaborone on Friday, Chinese learning teaches her not only a language, but also how to integrate into a wider world.

During her speech for the competition, the 27-year-old Khumomotse, who goes by the Chinese name Kong Fengmei, said that she started to learn Chinese two years ago, never expecting that learning the language can change her way of viewing the world.

In fluent Chinese, she said that she visited China last year, knowing people from different countries and cultures. She stressed that Chinese learning opened a door for her to see and embrace the world, gaining worldwide friendship, because of "One World, One Family," which is also the theme of the competition. During the talent show, she recited a Chinese poem Believe in the Future.

Other winners were Victoria Kwada (Ka Wangda), Phatsimo Saul (Song Yang), and Neelo Rakwadi (Xu Zhenru).

Among the total 10 finalists, many shared their experience and thoughts of Chinese learning, stressing respect for difference, and diversity, which should not divide, but enrich people. They also expressed the vision to become a bridge between Botswana and China.

Maria Nnyepi, deputy vice chancellor at the University of Botswana, highlighted the wonderful presentation of poetry recitation, dance, and paper-cutting, the partnership between the University of Botswana and China's Shanghai Normal University, as well as the Botswana government, adding that the university will soon offer a bachelor's degree program in the Chinese language.

Dintle Rapoo, acting director of the Department of Teacher Training and Technical Education at the Botswana Ministry of Higher Education, spoke highly of the theme "One World, One Family," the wonderful contestants, and the growing bigger event program. He also expressed his wish for the Confucius Institutes to extend the Chinese teaching program to Botswana teachers at the junior secondary, and primary schools.

Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong said the year of 2026 is the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, encouraging the Botswana youth to view the competition as a valuable opportunity for cross-cultural communication, and grow open-minded to serve as a bridge for friendship between China and Botswana.

The event drew about 100 participants, including teachers and students from the University of Botswana, the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, representatives of the Chinese embassy, Chinese community, and Chinese enterprises.