Last Friday, the city of Makeni was filled with joy as the Sierra Leone Chinese Friendship Association (SiLCHA) organized its annual “Small Small Chinese” party, an event dedicated to celebrating cultural exchange and goodwill between Sierra Leone and China.
Supported by the Chinese Embassy, this year’s festivities followed a successful celebration held in Bo City last year. The event was a heartwarming affair, featuring a rich array of food, drinks, and gifts that were generously distributed among the children and teachers present.
The atmosphere was vibrant, with children taking centre stage to showcase their talents through singing, dancing, and various performances. The value of the celebration, estimated in thousands of Leones, was evident in the smiles and joy radiating from the attendees, who expressed their heartfelt appreciation for SiLCHA’s efforts. In a video address, SiLCHA Founder Madam Mariatu Kargbo reflected on the organization’s inception in 2017 at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK).
She articulated SiLCHA’s mission to unite Sierra Leoneans and Chinese citizens, emphasizing the importance of fostering lasting friendships and cultural understanding between the two nations. “SiLCHA strives to bridge cultural and language barriers between Sierra Leone and China by connecting people from diverse backgrounds. We aim to create meaningful exchanges that benefit both nations,” she stated. During the celebration, Madam Kargbo encouraged the children to learn “Small Small Chinese,” hinting at plans to introduce structured language training programs. She expressed gratitude to the Chinese Ambassador and his team for their steadfast support, assuring them of SiLCHA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries.
The event also saw the presence of representatives from the Chinese Embassy, including Mr. Moses Chin and Mr. Lai Ruzhuo from the Confucius Institute. Mr. Chin highlighted the importance of language acquisition, noting that learning Chinese could open new doors for the children, similar to learning other international languages like French or Arabic. “Education is the future of any nation, and you are the future of Sierra Leone,” he remarked, encouraging the children to consider joining the Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College.
Veteran educator Pa Peter Ahmadu Banting, who dedicated 42 years to teaching in the Bombali District, shared insights about China’s remarkable growth and drew parallels to Sierra Leone’s developmental journey. His words inspired the children to aspire to greatness and work diligently toward their goals. As the event drew to a close, the children expressed their gratitude for SiLCHA’s generosity. One child remarked, “We appreciate this kind gesture from the Association. They have put smiles on our faces, and we feel happy and included. We hope this initiative continues for years to come.” The celebration concluded with prayers led by the Founder of Santannah International Academy, calling for continued support for SiLCHA’s impactful work in uplifting children across Sierra Leone.
