By Hassan Osman Kargbo
China Railway Seventh Group (Sierra Leone) Co., Ltd. (CRSG) has introduced a Chinese Culture Learning Programme aimed at teaching the Chinese language and promoting cultural exchange among Sierra Leonean students and staff. The initiative was launched on Saturday, 13th September 2025, at CRSG’s Mongeba Office in Grafton, drawing participants from Freetown Polytechnic alongside Sierra Leonean management staff of the company.
The program forms part of CRSG’s “Road in Harmony and Cultural Integration” campaign, designed to strengthen China–Sierra Leone cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Cultural Silk Road. The launch emphasized language training and cultural appreciation, particularly traditional Chinese tea culture.
CRSG General Manager, Du Xinguo, described language as the foundation of friendship and cooperation. He said that by learning one another’s languages, people can bridge divides and build lasting relationships. Du reminded the audience that CRSG has been operating in Sierra Leone for nearly two decades, while China and Sierra Leone have shared diplomatic relations for over 50 years. This, he noted, made the program both meaningful and timely.
He further explained that the initiative goes beyond cultural learning, as it aims to empower young Sierra Leoneans with career skills and international exposure. According to him, participants would gain broader perspectives, prepare for the global job market and develop values that foster personal and professional growth. He encouraged participants to treat each other as family, work in harmony and carry the lessons gained into their communities.
Wu Cui, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone, congratulated the participants and highlighted the Institute’s contributions since its founding in 2012. She disclosed that the Institute operates 22 teaching sites nationwide and has trained more than 30,000 learners, with nearly 100 Sierra Leoneans benefiting from study opportunities in China.
She explained that the Institute’s curriculum extends beyond language to include cultural lessons such as martial arts, calligraphy, music and folk dance. Wu emphasized that culture is a bridge to understanding, and through such programs, participants would not only acquire professional skills but also deepen cultural knowledge. She encouraged them to embrace the opportunity to learn and contribute to strengthening people-to-people ties.
Representing Freetown Polytechnic, Planning and Quality Assurance Officer Prince Brainard said the program marked a milestone in the institution’s collaboration with CRSG. He explained that the theme, “Silk Road: Inhabiting and Cultural Inclusion,” symbolizes trust, dialogue and cooperation between nations, recalling the role of the ancient Silk Road in fostering cultural exchange.
Brainard stressed that the program would help prepare Sierra Leonean youth to become globally minded citizens who can contribute to a more connected and peaceful world. On behalf of Principal Dr. Samba Moriba, he thanked CRSG for its support and assured the institution’s commitment to sustaining the partnership.
Wang Xiang, Chief Supervisor of CRSG, also expressed gratitude to the Confucius Institute and Freetown Polytechnic. He said CRSG has been rooted in Sierra Leone for 18 years, combining engineering expertise with social responsibility. According to him, cultural exchange has always been an integral part of the company’s mission.
He outlined three key objectives of the program: to deepen cultural exchange between China and Sierra Leone, empower cross-cultural teams through training and support sustainable development by integrating academic and industrial cooperation. Wang described the initiative as a cultural bridge and encouraged participants to approach the learning process with open hearts.
The Chinese Culture Learning Program underscores the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening international partnerships. By blending language education, cultural appreciation and professional development, the initiative equips Sierra Leonean youth with essential skills for the future while reinforcing bonds of friendship between China and Sierra Leone.
