On October 4th, USTB-DMU Confucius Institute (CI) held a ceremony to welcome the new volunteer teachers. Dr. Kate Gerrard, the CI's local Executive Director, and all CI teachers attended the meeting hosted by Dr. Yingjun Yang, the Chinese Director.

After a brief introduction of local Executive Director, the volunteer teachers introduced themselves in turn regarding their training, Mandarin teaching and artistic talents. They expressed their thanks to the CI for all the preparatory work and their delight at coming to the CI. They said they would cherish their time with students and colleagues and work hard.

Dr. Gerald welcome new teachers

Dr. Gerard, on behalf of De Montfort University (DMU), gave everyone her warm welcome and sincere thanks for coming in spite of all the difficulties. She also extended her appreciation of all the efforts USTB has made to facilitate the arrival of the new teachers. After a short introduction of Leicester, she briefed the new team on the history and current situation of DMU. She also praised the contribution of the CI to the cooperation of DMU and USTB, to the enrichment of cultural diversity and Mandarin programmes at DMU, and to the promotion of the Chinese language and culture all over Leicester and Leicestershire.

The ceremony came to a climax with the new teachers' showcase of their talents. The charm of traditional Chinese folk dance and musical instruments such as hulusi (gourd flute) and guzheng (zither), won Dr. Gerard's profuse praise.

A new teacher gave the performance of guzheng

The new teachers felt greatly encouraged by a strong sense of belonging, responsibility and mission as well as by the welcoming atmosphere. All the CI team had a free exchange of ideas on how to cope with challenges ahead in the new environment.

Draft: GUO Qiuju

Revision: YANG Yingjun