By Mathew Turay
The University of Liberia’s Capitol Hill auditorium pulsed with energy on May 26 as the institution hosted the finals of the 25th Chinese Bridge Competition, a dazzling showcase of language mastery and cultural diplomacy that positioned Liberia on the world stage.
Ten contestants from UL’s Confucius Institute competed fiercely, their performances captivating an audience that included UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan, Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu, government officials, faculty, students, and representatives of Chinese funded enterprises. The event was more than a contest—it was a celebration of friendship, knowledge, and global citizenship.
Emerging triumphant, Ms. Chillin D. Mason claimed the grand prize and will represent Liberia in China at the next stage of the competition. She will be joined by Emmanuel Myers Chea, Archie Layee Kelleh, Jr., and Isaiah J. Johnson, Jr., who earned third place honors and will witness the global contest. Second place winners Janet S. Sheriff, Francis Massah, and Chris S. Cooper were also hailed for their dedication and skill.
Dr. Maparyan, in stirring remarks, emphasized that the competition transcends linguistic ability. “This program celebrates language, culture, friendship, and international cooperation,” she declared, drawing on her own experience at the World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing last year. She praised the Confucius Institute’s role in enriching UL’s academic and cultural landscape, opening doors to scholarships, professional development, and intercultural exchange.
Ambassador Yin Chengwu lauded the contestants’ achievements as evidence of Liberia’s rising proficiency in Chinese. He noted that Chinese, spoken by hundreds of millions worldwide, carries the weight of millennia of civilization. He highlighted the scale of the Chinese Bridge program—25 years, 1.8 million participants from 160 countries—and framed its essence in three themes: dreams, cultures, and friendship. “This initiative encourages students to cross mountains and seas, better understand China, and pursue their aspirations,” he said.
The Confucius Institute at UL, inaugurated in 2008, has already trained more than 10,000 Liberians in Chinese language and culture. Many have advanced to studies in China, while others now serve as teachers, translators, and professionals bridging cooperation between the two nations. Ambassador Yin linked this legacy to global initiatives, citing President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative and the UN’s designation of June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.
As the finals concluded, the message was clear: Liberia is not merely participating in a competition but stepping boldly into the global dialogue of civilizations. With Mason and her peers preparing to represent the nation abroad, UL has ignited a bridge of language, friendship, and opportunity—one that promises to carry Liberia across borders and into the heart of international exchange.
