Adapting to China

The young Senegalese are now studying Chinese, an intensive immersion that will last one year. “We have to learn Chinese characters which have a relation with the pronunciation; it’s very different from our language,” said Awa.

The 15 young people are grouped together in a special class, and are taught by three Chinese teachers. Language classes are rigorous, and at eight o’clock in the morning, Thierno is already sitting in class with his classmates, where they learn to read and write Chinese characters. For Thierno, adapting to the rapid pace of studies in China is a challenge.

“I see Chinese students are very hard-working from day to night, and this gave me a strong impression and it encourages me to follow their example,” he said. The Senegalese students are paired with a Chinese partner with whom they can practice their language skills “one