Chinese diplomat rewards Barbados’ budding mandarin scholars

Barbadian students with a passion for Mandarin and Chinese culture have been recognised for their achievements through the Chinese Ambassador Scholarships, presented during a ceremony at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Confucius Institute, Cave Hill Campus.

The annual awards, funded by the Chinese Embassy in Barbados, celebrate students from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions who have excelled in Mandarin language studies. Each recipient received a scholarship grant to help cover educational expenses such as books and learning materials.

Strengthening Cultural Ties

Speaking at the event, Dr. Che Leon Corbin, the newly appointed local co-director of the Confucius Institute, praised the programme’s success and its growing influence across the island.

“Our Confucius Institute here in Barbados is ranked among the top 10 of more than 500 worldwide,” Dr. Corbin said proudly. “This programme connects people and cultures — just as many Chinese are learning English, we are learning Chinese. It’s about understanding each other through language."

Deputy Chief Education Officer Stephen Scott (back left), Ambassador Zheng Bing Kai (back centre), and Primary School Scholarship winners. (LE)

Opportunities for Study

Chinese language instructor Tyrone Yearwood highlighted the difference between the Ambassador Scholarship and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) programme.

“The Ambassador Scholarship is local and meant to encourage students studying Mandarin here,” he explained. “The CSC scholarship, on the other hand, covers full study in China, including tuition, housing, and health insurance.”

Yearwood also noted that students interested in studying in China must now hold Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK)certification — the official Chinese proficiency test. The Confucius Institute provides preparation courses for the exam.

Celebrating Language and Learning

Professor Nie Lu, the Chinese co-director of the Institute, congratulated the awardees and praised the growing connection between Barbados and China.

“When we learn each other’s language, communication becomes easier and friendships grow stronger,” Professor Nie said. “With so many Chinese businesses and cultural exchanges here in Barbados, and Barbadian students studying in China, learning Mandarin opens new doors.”

The Next Generation of Scholars

This year’s scholarship recipients represented a wide range of schools, including St George Primary, Charles F. Broome Memorial, St Stephen’s, St Cyprian’s, Harrison College, Queen’s College, Ellerslie Secondary, Alleyne, Lester Vaughan, and Christ Church Foundation.

Professor Nie encouraged the students to continue pursuing their studies and to see themselves as cultural ambassadors.

“You are pioneers in this exciting journey of international friendship,” she told them. “Keep learning, keep sharing, and continue building bridges between Barbados and China.”