In brief
On Friday Mexico launched the MozDream Chinese Singing Competition, organized by the Confucius Institute at Eduardo Mondlane University. The event showcased local students’ Mandarin skills and impressed the Chinese ambassador, who lauded the role of Chinese language learning in strengthening bilateral friendship. Winner Joao Julio Manecas inspired others to pursue Mandarin mastery.
On Friday, November 7, the capital of Mozambique, Maputo, hosted the inaugural "MozDream" Chinese Singing Competition, an event organized by the Confucius Institute at Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) to showcase local students’ Mandarin skills through music. Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Zheng Xuan and UEM vice‑rector Amalia Alexandre Uamusse praised the competition for deepening language learning and cultural ties between China and Mozambique.
Zheng Xuan said the Confucius Institute at UEM, since its 2012 establishment, has helped thousands of students experience the charm of Mandarin through a range of cultural activities. He added, "Chinese language learners are messengers who promote cultural exchanges between China and Mozambique, and strengthen the friendship between the two peoples."
Uamusse noted that the competition demonstrated students’ enthusiasm for learning Chinese and their willingness to explore a culture increasingly connected with Mozambican society. She described the event as "an initiative of great educational and cultural value," and said it transforms Chinese language learning into a practical, creative, and engaging experience.
Joao Julio Manecas, who won first place, said his song was recommended by his Chinese teacher and that he spent considerable time studying the original singer’s performance, adding his own creative touches. He expressed determination to further improve his Mandarin proficiency and explore new career opportunities. He added, "I encourage everyone to learn Chinese because it is a very interesting language. You can learn many things, and it also helps broaden your mind."
With the competition’s success, UEM and the Confucius Institute hope to expand Chinese language education in Mozambique, targeting even broader cultural and educational benefits.
