Zimbabwean students demonstrated impressive linguistic ability and cultural appreciation during the third edition of the Chinese Character Hero Contest held on Friday at the University of Zimbabwe.

Organised by the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe, the competition brought together learners from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, aiming to promote interest in the Chinese language while strengthening cultural exchange between Zimbabwe and China.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding underscored the cultural depth of the Chinese language, describing Chinese characters as central to the country’s heritage.

“Chinese characters are the very heart and soul of the Chinese language. Far more than mere symbols on paper, each character is a unique cultural gem,” he said, adding that learning the language enables young people to communicate beyond borders and access new opportunities.

He described the contest as more than a competition, calling it “a bridge between languages, between cultures, and between the young generations of our two great nations.”

Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Zimbabwe, Fainos Mangena, highlighted the importance of multilingualism in an increasingly globalised world. He noted that Zimbabweans must develop the linguistic and cultural skills necessary to engage internationally, particularly as economic and cultural ties with China continue to grow.

Participants expressed excitement at being part of the competition. Chanelle Jemwa of F.D. Roosevelt Girls High School, who placed third in the secondary school category, said she was grateful for the opportunity.

“I’m so much happy with this gesture. I really thank Ambassador Zhou Ding and the Chinese Embassy for giving me this opportunity to participate in this competition,” she said.

Jemwa encouraged fellow students to embrace language learning, saying multilingualism strengthens people-to-people cultural exchange and international relationships.

In the tertiary category, Nkala Cathrine Nqadini from Matabeleland emerged as the overall winner. A teacher by profession, she said the competition provided an important platform for Chinese language learners to showcase their knowledge.

“I would like to thank the Chinese Embassy and the University of Zimbabwe Confucius Institute for organizing such a wonderful competition,” she said, adding that she intends to share her Chinese language skills with her own students.

Shungu Mbofana of Cornerstone College won first prize in the secondary school category, walking away with a brand new tablet. Participants across categories received cash prizes, certificates, tablets and other awards in recognition of their dedication and performance.

Director of the Confucius Institute, Laston Mukaro, encouraged students to continue developing their language skills, noting that mastering Chinese characters is key to understanding the broader language.

The contest reflected growing interest in Chinese language learning among Zimbabwean students and highlighted expanding educational and cultural cooperation between Zimbabwe and China. 

Such initiatives continue to equip young people with skills that enhance academic growth while opening pathways to global engagement and opportunity.