College trio selected for China camp

For Moana Walker, learning Mandarin broadened her understanding of China – and brought her closer to her deceased grandfather.

Walker, 17 – together with Fairfield College classmates Hunter Peden, 17, and Eillish Coulsby, 16 – is in China attending a two-week study camp. Twenty students from across the North Island were chosen to attend the camp – including one student from Hillcrest High School.

‘‘My grandad was Chinese but he died before I got to know him properly,’’ Walker said.

‘‘I felt if I learnt Chinese I would be able to have a connection with him. I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I hadn’t learnt Chinese.’’

Fairfield College Mandarin teacher Bei Wang said it was gratifying to have three students chosen for the camp. Only Auckland’s St Peter’s College received more places.

‘‘It’s a big reward for outstanding students who study Chinese,’’ Wang said.

In October, Hunter and Walker sat the HSK Chinese Proficiency Test and passed the level two exam. Coulsby passed the level three exam.

Wang said having students sit and pass international language exams is a big advantage when applying for Chinese scholarships. While in China, the students will attend Fudan University. They will also visit rural schools to learn about Chinese culture and to provide students with English reading material.

The group returns to New Zealand on December 17.

The camp is sponsored by the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) in Beijing through the Confucius Institute in Auckland, the University of Auckland and Fudan University in co-operation with the New Zealand Brighter Future Education Trust.