2024 marked a fruitful year for Etienne Bankuwiha (Ban Chao), a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Foreign Studies of Nanjing University. In 2024, he published in Burundi a research monograph titled La Mission de l'Institut Confucius en Afrique (The Mission of the Confucius Institute in Africa), as well as six papers and articles to promote Chinese language and Chinese culture in Burundi, such as "The Present and Prospects of Chinese Language Education in Burundi" and "Confucianism and Today's Burundi". His story was reported in Guang Ming Daily, and he was awarded the Outstanding International Student Scholarship from the Jiangsu Government. He was the first international student of Nanjing University to be awarded the honorary title of "Student of the Year".
As a young Sinology researcher, Etienne not only carries out innovative research in academics, but also actively participates in all kinds of cultural exchanges to build bridges for young people of China and Africa. He participated in the First World Conference of Sinologists and other academic activities, sharing his insights and research findings on China-African cultural exchanges with sinology enthusiasts from all over the world. At the Global Forum on Hehe Culture, he introduced the Chinese culture in Burundi, shared stories of China-African friendship, and made efforts to promote mutual understanding among people from different cultural backgrounds. He took part in the internship of introducing African culture to students in the mountainous areas of Shuangbai County of Yunnan Province, and opening a "window to the world" for children living in the mountains. In the classroom of the Confucius Institute at the University of Burundi, he introduced Chinese culture and Chinese spirit to African students with his own personal experience in China.
"At NJU, I have gained a deeper understanding of China through continuous practice and study." Looking ahead, Etienne said he would continue to devote himself to participating in various China-African exchange activities, enhance the understanding and friendship between Chinese and African people with his experience and enthusiasm, and strive to write a new chapter of China-African friendship.
