Danish Confucius Institute for Innovation & learning at Aalborg University & Støvring High School Host Unveiling Ceremony for a New Confucius Classroom

Rebild, August 23rd – an unveiling ceremony for the first Confucius Classroom in Denmark jointly established by the Confucius Institute for Innovation & learning at Aalborg University and Støvring high school was held. Important guests, including Tina Nedergaard, Danish Minister for Education, Liu Chenggang, Chinese Counselor of Education in Denmark, Inger Askehave, Vice President of Aalborg University, Anny Winther, Mayor of Rebild, Liu Chuansheng, Secretary of the Party Committee of Beijing Normal University, Hao Fanghua, Vice President, Xiao Kai, Deputy Director of the Division of International Exchanges, Zhang Jian, Dean of the College of Chinese Language and Literature and Chen Li, Director of Division of Disciplinary Planning, attended the unveiling ceremony. In addition, other guests, such as Du Xiangyun, the Danish Director of the Confucius Institute for Innovation & learning at Aalborg University, the Chinese Director Du Ping and teaching staff, two directors of Danish Copenhagen Business Confucius Institute, headmasters from primary and secondary schools in Copenhagen, Rebild and Aalborg, as well as students of Støvring high school also attended the unveiling ceremony.

Jens, Director of the new Confucius Classroom at Støvring high school taking a group photo with guests

The unveiling ceremony began with the song “You and Me”. Danish Minister of Education Tina Nedergaard and Secretary of the Party Committee of Beijing Normal University Liu Chuansheng unveiled and cut the ribbon for the new Confucius Classroom; the two directors of the Confucius Institute for Innovation & learning at Aalborg University donated some books for the new Confucius Classroom. Tina Nedergaard, Danish Minister for Education, Liu Chenggang, Chinese Counselor of Education in Denmark, Liu Chuansheng, Secretary of the Party Committee of Beijing Normal University, Inger Askehave, Vice President of Aalborg University and Anny Winther, Mayor of Rebild gave brief speeches.

Danish Minister of Education Tina Nedergaard and Secretary of the Party Committee of Beijing Normal University Liu Chuansheng cut the ribbon for the new Confucius Classroom

Tina Nedergaard, Danish Minister for Education gave congratulations on the establishment of the Confucius Classroom and gave welcome to the delegation from Beijing Normal University. She also praised the educational cooperation and exchange between Denmark and China and indicated that the two countries should strengthen their understanding and cooperation on education, promote Chinese language and develop together.

Secretary Liu Chuansheng stated that the new Confucius Classroom will offer a platform for Danish primary and secondary students to better learn the Chinese language and understand Chinese culture. She also stated her hope that the Confucius Institute and Confucius Classroom will contribute to the promotion of Chinese language and culture in the future.

Liu Chenggang, Chinese Counselor of Education in Denmark, said that over the 60 year history of the establishment of Sino-Danish diplomatic ties, the two sides’ economic and trade links are getting closer. He stated his hope that the educational cooperation of the two nations will be reinforced and has high expectations in regards to the development of the Confucius Institute and the Confucius Classroom.

Colorful performances were staged during the unveiling ceremony. Students of Støvring high school performed the original songs “Girls on Film” and “Silver Soul”. The short drama “Who was Confucius” vividly showcased the value and educational concepts of Confucius. Chinese overseas student Wang Zihui staged a flute solo “A Dream Returns to Erdos” to display the charm of Chinese culture, the audience was very impressed and entertained. At last, the performance was concluded by the audience’s chorus of Auld Lange Syne.

Students of Støvring high school sang “You and Me” in Chinese and Danish

A Chinese overseas student staging flute solo “A Dream Returns to Erdos”