On 10th December 2024, within the context of high-quality Belt and Road construction, the “Belt and Road” China-Africa Youth Sustainable Development Exchange activity, organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) China, the UNFPA Kenya, and other organizations, took place at Yanching Institute of Technology. This event featured the “Civilization Symbosis to Build a Shared Future” China-Kenya South-South Cooperation Forum on Youth Sustainable Development. Through three key thematic exchanges, presentations, and ten peer-to-peer interactive exchanges, the event brought together industry knowledge, a commitment to public welfare, and a global perspective to work toward a shared future, promoting sustainable and mutually beneficial youth exchanges and contributing practical wisdom and strength to the high-quality construction of the “Belt and Road” initiative.
Image: Kenyan youth wearing Hanfu interacting with teachers and students at Yanching Institute of Technology. Photo: Li Yuyao
A series of rich and interactive cultural exchange activities unfolded enthusiastically, allowing the Kenyan youth delegation to deeply experience the infinite charm of traditional Chinese culture. The Kenyan youth representatives danced in Hanfu, or held calligraphy brushes, dipping them in ink, and jointly creating plum blossom Chinese paintings with students from Yanching Institute of Technology. From selecting materials, cutting, pasting, and assembling, exquisite lanterns gradually took shape in their hands. By constructing traditional Chinese architectural Dougong (interlocking wooden brackets), they gained an understanding of the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans. The sweetness of Begonia cakes and the exquisite nature of paper-cutting art also drew their admiration.
Visiting student science and technology exhibitions, discussions between nurses specializing in maternal health and family planning and faculty and students from the nursing program, environmental research experts experiencing virtual simulation technology, young lawyers discussing law with law students, young innovators visiting student science and technology and innovation projects… Yanching Institute of Technology’s various industry-focused colleges carried out various themed activities centered on China-Africa youth exchanges, achieving “precise alignment” between the Kenyan youth delegation and the industrial colleges. The various colleges appointed Kenyan youth representatives as “peer mentors.”
Dr. Pilar de la corte Molina, Deputy Country Representative of UNFPA Kenya, delivered a keynote speech on “Human Rights and Bodily Autonomy.” She believes that young students should continuously learn new knowledge and technologies, improve their own quality and abilities, and make positive contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind and promoting global sustainable development.
“Gather international public welfare forces and join hands with worldwide young talents to build a world public welfare community” Dr. Pilar said to the Social Welfare College. In April 2024, Yanching Institute of Technology established the Social Welfare College, adhering to the principles of “serving society, dedicating love, and innovative practice,” leading young students to actively engage in social welfare endeavors. The college awarded “International Friendship Volunteer” certificates to the visiting Kenyan youth representatives.
Wu Wenyan, Vice President of Yanching Institute of Technology, introduced that the school has always adhered to open education and extensively carried out international exchanges and cooperation, providing various choices for student growth and development. She hopes that young students will actively participate in the wave of global governance, work together to create a blueprint for a beautiful future, and jointly forge a brilliant chapter for Chinese and Kenyan youth.
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Company Name: Yanching Institute of Technology
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Country: China
Website: https://www.yit.edu.cn/