STORY: Afghan youth aspires to seek better future through Chinese learning
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 15, 2025
DATELINE: Jan. 21, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:48
LOCATION: Kabul
CATEGORY: EDUCATION

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Ebrahim Hasanzada, a Chinese language student at Kabul University, Afghanistan
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): EBRAHIM HASANZADA, Chinese language student at Kabul University
3. various of Ebrahim Hasanzada learning Chinese
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): EBRAHIM HASANZADA, Chinese language student at Kabul University

STORYLINE:

Over the past two years, Ebrahim Hasanzada, 22, has trekked through the mountains to catch a bus to Kabul University, where he studies Chinese.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): EBRAHIM HASANZADA, Chinese language student at Kabul University
"I live in a remote part of Kabul, along a mountain path, and the path is difficult and winding. It takes two to three hours every day to reach the university, which is very difficult for me."

Afghanistan's only Confucius Institute opened in 2008 at Kabul University's Department of Chinese Language and Literature.

Since then, the institute has facilitated Chinese learning for hundreds of young people like Hasanzada.

Though Kabul University students are now on winter break, Hasanzada continues his studies as he believes that learning Chinese could bring him more opportunities in the future.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): EBRAHIM HASANZADA, Chinese language student at Kabul University
"Lately, many people are learning Chinese, and after researching and consulting with my friends, I realized that this language has more job opportunities, and that's why I chose to learn Chinese with the support of my family.
I will endure all the difficulties for a better future so that I can go to China by learning this language or find a job here, support my family, and be a role model for my country."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kabul.
(XHTV)