Hundred Schools Project in UAE Promotes Chinese Language Learning for Future Opportunities

The Hundred Schools Project, a Chinese language education initiative launched in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2019, has gained significant traction. With 171 schools now offering Chinese language courses and 71,000 students involved, the project aims to promote friendship and cultural understanding between China and the UAE.

Recently, a group of 40 Emirati students from the Hamdan Bin Zayed School and the Yas School, both demonstration schools of the project, exchanged letters with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The students, who have been learning Chinese for over a year, expressed their love for Chinese culture and their desire to be ambassadors of the UAE-China friendship.

In his reply, Xi Jinping encouraged the students to master the Chinese language and learn more about China to contribute to the promotion of friendship between the two countries. He wrote, 'Now, seeing that learning Chinese has become a new trend in the UAE, and a group of little ambassadors for China-UAE exchanges like you have been cultivated, I'm very pleased.'

The exchange of correspondence coincides with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE in 2024. This milestone highlights the growing importance of cultural and educational cooperation between the two nations.

Strengthening diplomatic relations between the UAE and China has significant implications for cultural understanding and economic cooperation between the two nations, particularly through the promotion of Chinese language education in the UAE. This initiative can lead to increased opportunities for Emirati students in higher education and the job market, and promote deeper cultural ties between the two countries.

The manager of the Hundred Schools Project highlighted the significance of learning Chinese for Emirati students. He emphasized that proficiency in Chinese opens doors to higher education and career opportunities, and also provides a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. The initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of Emirati students who can promote friendship and cooperation between China and the UAE.

One student, Hamdan, a sixth-grader from Hamdan Bin Zayed School, wrote in his letter, 'I want to invite Grandpa Xi to my country. I want to play a football game with Grandpa Xi.' This sentiment reflects the students' enthusiasm and the personal connections they are forming through their studies.

The Hundred Schools Project represents a significant step in the UAE's efforts to strengthen its ties with China through education and cultural exchange. As more students engage with the Chinese language and culture, the foundation for a lasting and meaningful relationship between the two countries continues to grow.

Key Takeaways

• The Hundred Schools Project has 171 schools offering Chinese language courses in the UAE.
• 71,000 Emirati students are involved in the project, promoting friendship and cultural understanding.
• 40 Emirati students exchanged letters with Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressing love for Chinese culture.
• Xi Jinping encouraged students to master Chinese and learn about China to promote friendship.
• The project aims to cultivate a new generation of Emirati students to promote UAE-China cooperation.