STORY: Ivorian Kung Fu learner boosts China and Africa cultural exchanges
SHOOTING TIME: April 15, 2024
DATELINE: April 18, 2024
LENGTH: 0:03:41
LOCATION: Abidjan
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Yanming learning Kong Fu in China
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (French): YANMING, Ivorian Shaolin disciple
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (French): YANMING, Ivorian Shaolin disciple
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (French): YANMING, Ivorian Shaolin disciple
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (French): YANMING, Ivorian Shaolin disciple
6. SOUNDBITE 5 (French): YANMING, Ivorian Shaolin disciple

STORYLINE:

Max Yollando, hailing from Cote d'Ivoire, discovered his true passion within the ancient walls of the famed Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province.

Embracing the name Yanming given by his master, which stands for 'brightness and understanding,' he embarked on a six-year journey of Kung Fu mastery and cultural immersion.

Since 2017, Yanming has been deeply engrossed in the rich traditions of the temple, dedicating himself to the study and practice of its revered martial art.

As a Kung Fu mentor at Zambia's first Shaolin Cultural Center, he now has been embarking on a new journey to strengthen China-Africa ties through this ancient martial art.

SOUNDBITE 1(French): YANMING, Ivorian Shaolin disciple
"Hello, everyone, my name is Max Yollando. I'm Ivorian and I am a Shaolin disciple. My Shaolin disciple name is Yanming.
At the time, I was a student at Felix-Houphouet Boigny University in Cote d'Ivoire, and I was really interested in Chinese culture. This was how I had an opportunity to go to the Chinese Province of Henan, to the Shaolin Temple, where I learned martial arts. There, I came to understand the profound charm of Chinese traditional culture.
After that, I fell deeply in love with it. As I continued to learn about Chinese culture, I felt that the connection between myself and Chinese culture was getting closer and closer. So, I stayed in Shaolin Temple for six years."

SOUNDBITE 2 (French): YANMING, Ivorian Shaolin disciple
"One thing I found truly impressive about Chinese culture is their deep value for hard work. At the Shaolin Temple, we practiced tirelessly every day, always striving to enhance our skills.
Moreover, the respect shown towards elders, teachers, and family members, along with the emphasis on hard work, gratitude, and recognition, stood out to me."

SOUNDBITE 3 (French): YANMING, Ivorian Shaolin disciple
"In China, you'll notice the peaceful, harmonious, and joyous atmosphere that welcomes everyone, making everything accessible and convenient.
I believe it's beneficial for Africans to learn Chinese language and culture. I hope there will be a stronger partnership between China and Africa, and that both sides can work towards common development."

SOUNDBITE 4 (French): YANMING, Ivorian Shaolin disciple
"After completing my studies at the Shaolin Temple in China, I was chosen to work at a Shaolin cultural center in Zambia, the first such center in Africa. There, my role involved teaching Chinese culture and Kung Fu to the local people, and working to strengthen China-Zambia or China-Africa relations.
For me, it's a source of pride. I'm very happy to be able to pass on what I learned in China to my fellow Africans."

SOUNDBITE 5 (French): YANMING, Ivorian Shaolin disciple
"I look forward to Cote d'Ivoire setting up a cultural center to inspire its youth, fostering growth for the nation and Africa.
I hope the bond between China and Africa continues to flourish for generations. Living amidst both cultures, I've noticed many shared values, underlining the connection between Chinese and African traditions."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Abidjan.
(XHTV)