China and Africa share a rich history of friendship and collaboration, deeply rooted in centuries-old exchanges. One fascinating chapter is the story of \"giraffe diplomacy.\" During the Ming Dynasty in the 1410s, the renowned navigator Zheng He embarked on ocean voyages that reached as far as East Africa. On one of these journeys, Zheng He brought back an African giraffe to China, an animal previously unknown to the Chinese. Mistaking it for a unicorn, a symbol of wisdom and benevolence, this unique gift laid the foundation for early cultural exchanges between China and African peoples.
Today, the bond between China and Africa has only strengthened, infusing cultural vitality into their cooperation. A prime example of this enduring partnership is the establishment of Luban Workshops across Africa. Initiated in 2018 and named after the ancient Chinese inventor Lu Ban, these workshops represent modern vocational education inspired by centuries of Chinese ingenuity.
One success story is Osman, a graduate of the Djibouti Luban Workshop. As one of the first 24 students enrolled in 2019, Osman fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a railway worker. The workshop's comprehensive three-year program, which covers both engineering theories and practical skills, enabled him to secure an internship at the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway—the first China-built electrified railway in Africa.
With over 11 Luban Workshops established in 10 African countries, these institutions offer more than 70 majors, including industrial robots, cloud computing, logistics management, traditional Chinese medicine, cross-border e-commerce, and smart agriculture. This tailored education equips tens of thousands of young Africans with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world, positioning them as key drivers in China-Africa cooperation.
As China's investments in Africa continue to grow, so does the interest in the Chinese language across the continent. Nelson Mandela once 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.\" This sentiment underscores the importance of cultural exchange in fostering deep, meaningful partnerships.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
