Rwanda sees rising interest in Mandarin learning

Rwanda's appetite for Mandarin continues to surge as thousands of students, professionals and schoolchildren embrace the Chinese language to access scholarships, jobs and business opportunities.

Since its establishment in 2009, the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda has become the country's powerhouse for Chinese language learning and teaching, offering language courses, exchange programs, martial arts training and cultural festivals that have introduced thousands to Chinese traditions.

Zeng Guangyu, director of the institute, said more than 7,000 learners are studying Mandarin across universities, technical and vocational institutions, and a growing number of primary and secondary schools.

Li Tingting, a Chinese language instructor at the University of Rwanda, said: "We receive numerous inquiries from Chinese companies setting up in Rwanda looking for people who can speak the language."

To meet the demand, the Confucius Institute has partnered with 16 primary schools, six secondary schools, 10 technical and vocational institutions, and six campuses of the University of Rwanda. Chinese clubs have also been introduced in schools to teach children language basics, crafts, dance and cultural etiquette.

At Le Plaisir D'enfant Primary School in Rusororo, proprietor Vestine Nirere said the addition of Chinese lessons last year has led to a notable increase in enrollment.

"We offer mandatory Chinese lessons, which give us a competitive advantage," she said. "Mandarin will open academic and career opportunities for our learners."

The program has sparked growing interest among parents, many of whom now inquire specifically about opportunities for their children to learn Mandarin, she said.

To tap into the opportunity presented by the rising demand, Mandarin teacher Dusabe Ignace, who holds HSK Level 6, plans to pursue a PhD to further strengthen his expertise and help expand local teaching capacity.

The HSK is an internationally standardized test designed to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native Chinese speakers.

Zeng said thousands of Rwandans now pursue Mandarin to qualify for scholarships in China or work for Chinese-owned companies in construction, manufacturing, technology and retail, adding that language serves as a bridge to mutual understanding and friendship.

Among the beneficiaries is 24-year-old mechanical engineering student Hidaya Ikirezi Uwase, who has reached HSK Level 4 Mandarin proficiency.

"I work in an automotive company as a translator and salesperson for a Chinese-owned firm in Kigali," she said, adding that she hopes to pursue postgraduate studies in China.

Electrical engineering graduate Ndungutse Jean Bosco from the University of Rwanda studied Mandarin before earning a scholarship to China. Since his return in 2022, he has worked for Chinese companies and now teaches the language at a local technical training institute.

However, the Mandarin boom has triggered a serious challenge: too few tutors to meet overwhelming interest. "Unfortunately, we cannot meet the growing demand," Zeng said.

The Confucius Institute is preparing to sign memorandums of understanding with private universities, including the University of Kigali and the Catholic University of Rwanda, to expand the training capacity.

The popularity of martial arts, especially kung fu and tai chi, has further boosted interest since their introduction in 2010.

These traditional Chinese disciplines have become a standout attraction at the Confucius Institute, drawing Rwandans eager to learn self-discipline, physical fitness and cultural etiquette.

Regular demonstrations, competitions and cultural festivals have helped sustain the enthusiasm, with locals viewing martial arts as an added value that complements language learning and deepens cultural appreciation.

In a development reflecting deepening ties between China and Rwanda, the Confucius Institute in Kigali has introduced Kinyarwanda lessons for Chinese nationals living and working in Rwanda, reversing the traditional learning trend.

"For many years, Rwandans have been learning Chinese to engage globally," Zeng said. "Now, the Chinese community is learning Kinyarwanda to engage locally."

"Language is a bridge to the heart of a people. It is a bridge to friendship, culture and understanding. When people see your effort, they open up to you," Zeng said.