16 April, 2012 in the University of Zimbabwe　　

　　Prof. Nyagura, Vice Chancellor of Zimbabwe University,　　

　　Prof. Mashiri, Zimabwean Confucius Institute Director,  　　

　　Mr. Liu Xiuyan, Chinese Confucius Institute Director, 　　

　　Mr. Jiang Tiejun, Head of the delegation of China Confucius Foundation,　　

　　Dear professors and students,　　

　　Ladies and Gentlemen,　　

　　Good Morning! I feel very pleased to attend today’s inauguration ceremony. First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the China Confucius Foundation for bringing the Confucius statue to the Confucius Institute in the University of Zimbabwe all over the way from Shandong Province of China. The statue known as the symbol of Chinese culture will definitely become an important landmark of China-Zimbabwe cultural exchanges.　　

　　Everybody present here is no stranger to Confucius. Confucius was a great educator. He had a famous saying: “Isn’t it a pleasure to review and practice what you have learnt”(学而时习之，不亦说乎). This reminds me of my practice of speaking Shaona. He also pointed out that: “The learning process is most rewarding when there’s immense interest in it”(知之者不如好之者，好之者不如乐之者). Confucius Institute will take inspiration from Confucius’s sayings and make the teaching and learning a pleasure.　　

　　Confucius was also a great thinker. Much of the thinking and philosophy of Confucius represent the best of Chinese culture. As you may know, there have been enormous changes and development in China. However, the values of the Chinese people are mostly shaped by the Confucian heritage. Confucius stressed the values of love, justice, courtesy, wisdom and credibility (仁、义、礼、智、信). These principles are as strong today as they have been for the past two thousand years. Reflecting on this legacy of thinking, the biggest contribution the Confucius Institute can make is not only to teach Mandarin, but also to introduce students the Chinese culture and philosophy. 　　

　　Furthermore, Confucius was a statesman. He strove to build a world of harmony, where nations thrive in peace and gain from cooperation. Building on this vision, China has taken on a path of peaceful development and has been pursuing a win-win opening-up strategy. China is committed to working with Zimbabwe, African countries and the world as a whole to achieve development and mutual benefit 　　

　　I am happy that there are 6 Confucius Classes with more than 650 learners in Zimbabwe. And I can tell you that the chorus of Confucius Institute has become a famous brand of Zimbabwe. All the coming Chinese delegations are impressed by their excellent performance. This year, we plan to invite the chorus to China, so that more and more Chinese people will know there is a talented chorus singing beautiful Chinese songs in Zimbabwe.　　

　　Finally let me conclude by saying thank you, the China Confucius Foundation for your kind donation. You will feel so pleased to see that Confucius Institute in Zimbabwe has done so well. My sincere wish will go to Confucius Institute, wish you become more and more successful!　　

　　Thank you! Tatenda!