Ateneo Confucius Institute organizes trip to China for educators

In its second year, the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Manila University, in collaboration with the Center for Language and Education Cooperation (CLEC) and Sun Yat-sen University, organized the School Leaders Group: Understanding China Tour from 11-15 August 2024. This tour, designed for educators and administrators, aimed to promote academic excellence by fostering cross-cultural engagement and initiating dynamic exchanges of ideas between educational institutions in the Philippines and China.

This activity brought together educators, school leaders, and administrators in a five-day long exploration of education and culture. The trip served as a platform for academic dialogues with various Chinese universities, facilitating insightful discussions on educational methodologies and fostering collaborative partnerships between educators and institutions.

The delegation was graciously received by the Philippine Ambassador to China, His Excellency Jaime FlorCruz, at the Philippine Embassy. The ambassador addressed the delegates, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the Philippines and China, and encouraged them to explore ways to enhance and strengthen this bond through education. HE Amb FlorCruz also expressed his anticipation for future collaborations in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and China next year.
 

They also had the privilege of visiting some of China's most esteemed educational institutions, including Peking University, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine—one of the first traditional Chinese medical institutions in China—and the Center for Language and Education Cooperation (CLEC).

Additionally, the delegation embarked on a cultural journey, visiting iconic sites that showcased China's rich history. They explored the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Confucius Temple, and the Temple of Heaven. The journey concluded with visits to the modern marvels of Olympic Park, including the Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube.

The School Leaders Group: Understanding China Tour aims to harness the power of academic exchange and cross-cultural interaction to promote mutual understanding and pave the way for stronger connections and collaborations between the Philippines and China in the field of education.

The delegates were:

1. Fr Joseph Haw (Xavier School)
2. Dr Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu (Ateneo de Manila University)
3. Dr Emma Porio (Ateneo de Manila University)
4. Dr Michael Pante (Ateneo de Manila University)
5. Dr Rex Llonora (Far Eastern University)
6. Ms Yolly Reyes (Xavier School)
7. Mr Wayne Winter Uyseco (Far Eastern University)
8. Ms Jane Paula Roxas (De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde)
9. Ms Sharlene May Cua (Philippine Association of Chinese Studies)
10. Ms Stephanie Jane Tan (Ateneo de Manila University)