Bridge links Brazilian student to dragon dream

a once-in-a-life opportunity in 2012 when UFRGS established its Confucius Institute. He then signed up for the Chinese Bridge competition later in the year.

Latin America’s first Confucius Institute opened in Mexico in 2006, and was followed by a second in Peru in 2009.

The institutes organize an annual Chinese proficiency contest called Chinese Bridge, which showcases the talents of foreign youth who excel at learning Mandarin as a way to develop a greater understanding of the Chinese culture.

Rafael said he sang Long De Chuan Ren, which translates as Descendants of the Dragon, a popular song he said is one of his favorites.

“The most important thing in winning the contest was not being crowned as champion, but obtaining an opportunity to study in China for the next year,” he said.

As the champion, Rafael was granted a scholarship to further his study at Nankai University in China’s northern city of Tianjin for a year, where he gradually became familiar to the Chinese society, culture and people.

“The Chinese people are honest, friendly and hardworking. During that year, I began to read Chinese literature and I was fascinated. I have always thought that literature is the gateway to the soul of a nation,” he said.

As he went further into the study, Rafael started to read the Analects, a collection of sayings and ideas from the Chinese philosopher Confucius from about 2,500 years ago. He said he found universal values in Confucian texts.

After returning to Brazil, Rafael went to work for a Chinese company in Sao Paulo and, meanwhile, continued to learn Chinese.

“I want to tell people that it is not difficult to learn Chinese if you make the effort,” he said.

Rafael said he dreams that he could return to China one day in the future to continue his study and work there, so as to witness China’s development by himself.

Learning Chinese was difficult but I wanted to learn more. Learning the language gave me a strong sense of accomplishment.”

who won the Chinese Bridge language competition in 2012

CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Children play with soap bubbles on the beach in Deauville, northwestern France, on Wednesday as part of a campaign organised by the French NGO Secours Populaire for children whose families cannot afford to go on holiday.