STORY: Cultural exchange event held in Zimbabwe to welcome Spring Festival
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 31, 2024
DATELINE: Feb. 1, 2024
LENGTH: 00:04:08
LOCATION: Harare
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the cultural exchange event
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ZHOU DING, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ZHOU DING, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): TORERAI MOYO, Zimbabwe's Minister of Primary and Secondary Education
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): TORERAI MOYO, Zimbabwe's Minister of Primary and Secondary Education
6. SOUNDBITE 5 (English): BRENDA MOYO, Student
7. SOUNDBITE 6 (English): BENON JAIROS, Student

STORYLINE:

A China-Zimbabwe cultural exchange event was held in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, on Wednesday to welcome the Chinese Spring Festival, which will fall on Feb. 10 this year.

The event was held at a China-donated Zimbabwe-China Friendship High School in Harare's Hatcliffe suburb.

At the event, students from the school staged vibrant local dances and drum performances.

Attendees were also entertained by Chinese martial arts performances by a visiting troupe from the Henan Provincial Shaolin Wushu Training Center.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ZHOU DING, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe
"And these performances will open a window for you to the magnificent world of Chinese art and culture. Hope you will all enjoy it and I wish you all to realize your dreams in the future, and contribute to the modernization and industrialization of Zimbabwe, and contribute to the peace and prosperity of the whole world."

Commenting on bilateral cooperation between China and Zimbabwe, Zhou reaffirmed China's support for Zimbabwe's development.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ZHOU DING, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe
"Meanwhile, China firmly supports Zimbabwe's educational sector. The Chinese government has so far built many schools and universities in Zimbabwe with grants."

Torerai Moyo, Zimbabwe's Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, said the event not only bridges the two cultures but also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusivity in Zimbabwe's educational institutions.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): TORERAI MOYO, Zimbabwe's Minister of Primary and Secondary Education
"Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of great significance and celebration for the Chinese community worldwide. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and represents a fresh start filled with hope, prosperity, and good fortune. Today we come together to embrace this cultural festivity and learn from one another."

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): TORERAI MOYO, Zimbabwe's Minister of Primary and Secondary Education
"By celebrating Chinese New Year together, we not only honor the Chinese community but also foster a sense of unity amongst all of us. Education is a powerful tool that breaks down boundaries and broadens horizons. It enables us to embrace different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, promoting a global mindset that is essential in today's interconnected world."
   
Students who attended the event got a chance to learn Chinese martial arts from the visiting troupe.

SOUNDBITE 5 (English): BRENDA MOYO, Student
"Today I joined the Chinese Kung Fu group. It was so hard but it was excellent. It was so amazing, but I would like to join it again."

SOUNDBITE 6 (English): BENON JAIROS, Student
"It's my first time to attend a Spring Festival event and I really enjoyed this event. Chinese martial arts boys and girls were showing us how they teach their martial arts, and I really enjoyed it to such an extent that I would like to join the martial arts team."

Several events will be lined up in Zimbabwe to celebrate the Spring Festival, including a high-profile gala which will be held in Harare on Thursday night. 

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Harare.
(XHTV)