On October 6, the Confucius Institute at T. A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) held a grand ceremony to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The event was attended by Dr. Wendy Grenade, Council Chair of TAMCC; Mr. Andrew Abraham, Principal of TAMCC; Dr. John Telesford, Deputy Principal of TAMCC; H.E. Mr. Yang Shu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada; Mr. Elvis Morain, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education of Grenada; Dr. Fan Jiang, Resident Director of the Confucius Institute; Mr. David Ambrose, Grenadian Director; other senior management team members from TAMCC; principals and contact teachers from partner schools as well as more than 100 students, and community representatives. Guests gathered to review the decade-long journey of the Confucius Institute and look forward to a bright future of educational and cultural cooperation between China and Grenada.
The ceremony officially began at 4:20 p.m. Mr. Andrew Abraham, Principal of TAMCC, delivered the opening remarks. He highly commended the Confucius Institute for its significant contributions to Chinese language education and multicultural exchange over the past decade, noting that the Institute has provided an important platform for students to learn about Chinese culture and has been a strong pillar supporting TAMCC’s internationalization.
Mr. Elvis Morain, representing the Grenadian Ministry of Education, followed with a speech recognizing the Institute’s efforts in promoting educational collaboration between China and Grenada and enriching local educational resources. He also expressed gratitude to Ningbo University of Technology for its long-term support to TAMCC and affirmed that the Ministry would continue to support the Institute’s development in Grenada.
In his address, Ambassador Yang Shu emphasized that the ten-year journey of the Confucius Institute at TAMCC is a vivid reflection of the friendship between China and Grenada in the field of education. Through language teaching, cultural activities, and community engagement, the Institute has built a bridge of mutual understanding and made significant contributions to fostering friendship between the peoples of both nations.
Dr. Fan Jiang, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, reviewed the Institute’s growth over the past ten years—from developing a comprehensive Chinese language curriculum and hosting signature cultural events such as “Chinese Culture Week” and the “Spring Festival Gala,” to promoting ongoing exchange programs between Chinese and Grenadian students and teachers. He pledged that the Institute would continue to take language teaching as its foundation and cultural exchange as its soul, contributing to the enduring friendship between China and Grenada.
After the speeches, the ceremony moved on to the “10th Anniversary Song and Blessing Video” session. Familiar faces and touching memories lit up the screen, drawing waves of cheers and applause from the audience. The familiar melodies guided everyone through the Institute’s memorable journey from its founding to its flourishing today, evoking warm emotions and symbolizing a decade of deep-rooted growth in Grenada.
The cultural performance segment showcased the fusion of Chinese and Grenadian cultures, with teachers and students from both countries taking part. Leedia opened with the song Harmony in Light and Dust, conveying serenity and grace; Jennive and Symphoni performed As Wished, expressing hope and blessings for the future; Emmanuel Juba’s rendition of Blue Lotus celebrated youth and dreams; the TAMCC band presented a medley of Grenadian folk and Chinese songs, creating a lively atmosphere. Traditional Grenadian dances brought vibrant Caribbean rhythms to the stage, earning enthusiastic applause. Hosea’s performance of My Future Is Not a Dream inspired the audience with youthful determination, while Shifu David, Shifu Aubin, and Javid presented a powerful kung fu demonstration. Finally, Shifu Edison and Niu Wei performed an elegant Tai Chi routine, blending strength and softness in a meditative cultural display.
Following the performances, the head of a local senior care home spoke on behalf of the community, expressing gratitude to the Confucius Institute for its long-standing service and care for the elderly, as well as its cultural contributions to local welfare.
In his concluding speech, Mr. David Ambrose, Grenadian Director of the Confucius Institute, emphasized that the achievements of the past decade were made possible through the joint efforts and dedication of both Chinese and Grenadian teams. Looking ahead, he said the Institute would continue to deepen educational and cultural cooperation and help more Grenadians learn about China and the Chinese language.
In a warm atmosphere of applause, the “10th Anniversary Cooperation Certificate Exchange Ceremony” took place. Dr. Fan Jiang, on behalf of Ningbo University of Technology, exchanged commemorative certificates with Principal Andrew Abraham of TAMCC—an act symbolizing both the commemoration of a decade of partnership and the beginning of a new chapter of China–Grenada friendship. The two leaders then jointly blew out the candles on the 10th anniversary cake, making heartfelt wishes for the Institute’s bright future together with all guests. The successful celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute at TAMCC not only summarized the fruitful achievements of the past decade of China–Grenada educational and cultural cooperation but also injected fresh momentum into future exchanges. Looking forward, the Confucius Institute at TAMCC will continue to uphold the philosophy of Harmony and Coexistence, using Chinese language teaching as its core and cultural exchange as its bridge, to tell China’s stories, share Chinese culture, and contribute to the everlasting friendship between China and Grenada.