LUSAKA, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Zambian students on Wednesday competed in the national finals of the 2026 Chinese Bridge Competition in Lusaka, the country's capital, showcasing their Chinese language proficiency and knowledge of Chinese culture.
Students showcased their talent through speeches, dance performances and singing, with the audience erupting in applause each time a participant took to the stage.
Margret Mwanza, the first-prize winner of the college students' competition, said she was honored and humbled to emerge victorious.
"This win means that all the effort I have put into learning the Chinese language and Chinese culture has been recognized. It has also motivated me to study more about Chinese culture and explore how it can benefit both myself and my country, Zambia," she told Xinhua.
Mwanza said she was inspired to study Chinese after noticing the growing number of Chinese enterprises operating in Zambia, adding that she hopes to work alongside Chinese professionals in the future.
Loyce Musonda, who claimed first prize in the secondary school students' competition, said she was delighted to secure the top position in her third participation in the contest, which showed her steady progress in learning the Chinese language.
Musonda, who was inspired to learn Chinese by her mother, told Xinhua that she plans to further her studies in China before returning to Zambia to become a Chinese language teacher.
Addressing the audience, Mundia Muya, vice chancellor of the University of Zambia, where a Confucius Institute is based, said the competition provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate their linguistic progress.
He commended teachers for their hard work in teaching Chinese language and culture and urged them to continue their efforts. ■
