Patrik Idohou, Director of Arts Promotion in Benin Ministry of Culture, speaks at the launch of Chinese language training during the 2015-2016 academic year in Benin's largest city of Cotonou on Oct. 10, 2015. (Xinhua/Zhang Gaiping)
COTONOU, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese language training opens the door for Beninese youngsters to the Chinese culture and vast opportunities as Africa and China intensify their already fast-growing trade relations.
In Benin's largest city of Cotonou, some 100 language learners aged under 12 attended a recent launch of Chinese language training during the 2015-2016 academic year.
The colorful ceremony was highlighted with dances, sketches in Chinese language and martial arts demonstration.
The academic year opening ceremony took place in the Benin Chinese Cultural Center in the presence of Benin's cultural authorities and as well as Chinese officials in the west African country.
Young Beninese learners of the Chinese language perform a Chinese-style dance dubbed "Hello" at the launch of Chinese language training during the 2015-2016 academic year in Benin's largest city of Cotonou on Oct. 10, 2015. (Xinhua/Zhang Gaiping)
"The language training academic year will allow learners from Benin to be cultural ambassadors between China and Benin, as the Chinese language will open the door for them to Chinese culture," said Bai Guangming, director of Chinese Cultural center in Cotonou.
Patrik Idohou, Director of Arts Promotion in Benin Ministry of Culture, said that Chinese language training would enhance cultural diversity between Benin and China.
The official added that the training would also reinforce the cooperation between the two countries.
Lydie Rolande Dessevi, a student, said that she chose to enroll for the Chinese language because she wanted to be a part of the dynamic development of communications around the world.
"Learning Chinese language is giving oneself, now and tomorrow, more education and job opportunities, especially on the African continent which has been experiencing a rapid growth of trade and investment with China over the years," she said.
