INAUGURATION OF CHINESE CLUB AT MFANTSIPIM SCHOOL, (FORMER UN SEC GEN KOFI ANNAN’S ALMA MATER)
On 17th June, 2017 Confucius Institute – University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) held an inauguration ceremony for the Chinese Club of Mfantsipim School.
At exactly 11 a.m,the program started with an opening prayer. The Opening prayer was proceeded by a welcome address and introduction of guest and chairman by the President of the Chinese Club Mfantsipim School. In attendance were dignitaries such as Prof. K. Opoku-Agyeman (Ghana Director for Confucius Institute – UCC), Prof. Hu Liangcai (China Director for Confucius Institute – UCC), Mr. Stephen Yeboah (Assistant Headmaster – Administration, Mfantsipim School), Mr. Abraham Baweah (Patron of the Chinese Club and the Chairman of the Program) and Mr. Daniel Richard Essah (Director of Clubs and Societies, Mfantsipim School). In total, there were about one hundred and fifty people who attended the program.
The program continued with the Chairman’s opening remarks. The Chairman, Mr. Abraham Baweah expressed his appreciation for being the Chairman and further stated that he is of high expectation that the program will be successful and beneficial to all present.
A Chinese Song was performed by a Chinese Teacher and a Ghanaian Chinese Student after the Chairman’s opening remarks. The Chinese song performance was followed by the Chinese Chop Sticks game which was played by the members Mfantsipim School Chinese Club. The students were excited by the game and seemed eager to play more.
After the game, the patron of the Chinese Club was invited to give a brief history of the club. The Patron, Mr. Abraham Baweah stated in his speech that language is an important aspect of every culture and therefore understanding the Chinese language helps Ghanaians to breach the cultural gap between Ghanaians and Chinese and also helps Ghanaians to obtain a better understanding of Chinese culture. According to him, the commencement of the club was inspired by the inauguration ceremony of the Chinese Club at the University Practice Senior High School . He further indicated that the Club currently has 18 Executives and 120 members.
There was a fashion show displaying Chinese traditional clothes and Chinese calligraphy performance by the Chinese Teachers from Confucius Institute – UCC as well as an acoustic music performance by Kwabotwey Vibes – Mfantsipim School.
The Chinese Club was officially inaugurated by the Assistant Headmaster (Administration), Mr. Stephen Yeboah. He encouraged all the students present to join the club. He introduced the Executives and swore them into office. He further stated that he will personally support the Executives to work hard to ensure the development of the club.
After the official inauguration, there was a Chinese Martial Art performance and Newspaper game by the Chinese Teachers and Mfantsipim students respectively. These performances were followed by a speech from the China Director of Confucius Institute – UCC, Prof. Hu Liangcai. Prof. Hu congratulated Mfantsipim School for the effort and support towards the program’s success. His speech included the history of Confucius Institute – UCC, the courses and scholarships available and current activities being undertaken. He further encouraged all the students to join the classes that will be going on at the center and also stated that there will be an official launching of the Chinese Club at Mfantsipim School of which Mr. Kofi Annan, formal UN General Secretary will be invited.
A Chinese Viceroy Shuttlecock game was played by both the Chinese Teachers and Mfantsipim School staff and students after the China Director’s speech.
The program finally ended at 2:05pm with closing remarks from the Chairman as well as the Assistant Headmaster (Administration). They both expressed their gratitude to Confucius Institute – UCC and encouraged the students to take the club’s activities very serious.