China and Africa share a rich history of friendship and partnership that dates back centuries. One of the most fascinating tales is that of \"giraffe diplomacy.\" In the 1410s, the renowned Chinese navigator Zheng He embarked on ocean voyages that reached East Africa. During these explorations, Zheng He brought back an African giraffe to China, a creature mistaken for the mythical unicorn. This gesture symbolized the beginning of deep-rooted people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa, fostering cultural vitality and cooperation.
Fast forward to today, the spirit of collaboration continues to thrive through initiatives like the Luban Workshops. Established in 2019, these workshops are named after the ancient Chinese inventor Lu Ban and have become a cornerstone of Chinese vocational education in Africa. Offering over 70 majors in fields such as industrial robotics, cloud computing, logistics management, traditional Chinese medicine, cross-border e-commerce, and smart agriculture, Luban Workshops are transforming the futures of thousands of young Africans.
Take Osman, for example. As one of the first students at the Djibouti Luban Workshop, Osman dreamt of becoming a railway worker. Through the workshop's comprehensive three-year program, which blends engineering theory with practical skills, Osman was able to intern at the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway—the first electrified railway in Africa built by the Chinese mainland. Programs like these not only equip young Africans with essential skills but also enable them to contribute significantly to infrastructure projects across the continent.
Beyond vocational training, the growing Chinese investment in Africa has sparked increased interest in learning the Chinese language. This cultural exchange further strengthens ties and mutual understanding between the two regions. As Nelson Mandela aptly said, \"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.\"
From historical voyages to modern educational initiatives, the enduring partnership between the Chinese mainland and Africa continues to build a better future for both regions, driven by shared goals and mutual respect.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
