On 14th July 2020, USTB-DMU Confucius Institute (CI) hosted a farewell party for the 2019-2020 volunteer teachers on WeMeet.

Pic 1 Virtual Farewell Party for 2019-2020 Volunteer Teachers

Ms. Zhiping Wei from USTB, the CI Mandarin teacher responsible for events, initiated the party with a Hemmingway quote: “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” She hoped that the year the volunteer teachers spent at the CI will be a milestone for them all.

Pic 2 The CI Staff's Celebration of Their Fruitful Year

It was followed by a farewell video composed of photos of each volunteer teacher at their best moment teaching or performing. It reminded everyone present of the efforts they made and recognition they gained in the past year. Each unforgettable moment spent in Leicester brought many volunteer teachers to tears.

Pic 3 The Director's Thank-You Note to the Volunteer Teachers

Dr. Yingjun Yang, the Chinese Director of the CI, delivered a speech of appreciation on behalf of the CI Management Board to everyone for their hard work and contribution. He spoke highly of their efforts at innovative teaching and their versatile talents for demonstrating Chinese culture. He hoped that their experiences at the CI will become a springboard for a better future, hopefully in the promotion of Chinese language and culture.

Pic 4 A Poem in Honour of the Volunteer Teachers

The climax of the party came when the volunteer teachers began to express their reluctance to leave and their gratitude to the CI for the progress they have made during the past year. They also offered constructive feedback and valuable suggestions for the better development of the CI. Before the farewell moment, they all presented a surprise gift, a short video for the next group of volunteers. In this way, they hoped that their experiences can be of great use and value for the CI they love.

We all promised to keep each other posted and keep in close contact because we believe “Once a member of the CI, always a member of the CI!”