HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR,2018.THE YEAR OF THE DOG

Where are the people? The spring season is here, the streets are empty, shops closed; at least the sound of birds singing atop buildings and trees on campus can be heard while cold wind blows in the faces of the remnant as they learn to embrace a transformed environment of absolute quietness in Beijing. To celebrate the climax to the spring festival the migration of people is leading to the most popular destination, home. “I can’t wait to see my parents and grandparents, I miss them deeply,” a delighted Chinese friend uttered. This is a highly esteemed festive season of merriment and reunion with family and friends, welcome to the Chinese New Year.

Beijing is “deserted” but not lifeless because at Beijing Normal University, the School of Social Development and Public Policy (SSDPP) organized a party for its International Students who were on campus during the break.

International Students of different nationalities having fun

The Vice President of SSDPP International Students’ Leadership, Lwana Kamanga officially opened the party with a brief speech acknowledging support and role of the school in organizing the event.

“It’s on record that boredom on campus has never been part of SSDPP International Students as the school has always organized functions for all of us to socialize, learn and grow”, he said. “Chinese New Year is a huge event in Chinese culture and history; it marks the beginning of new blessings and opportunities in the lunar calendar. That is why it is key for us international students to share the feelings and celebrate with our Chinese counterparts all over the world. Please, allow me to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the SSDPP for its enduring support in helping us to bring this party to life. We know it does not come on a Silver Platter; it takes hard work, commitment and love for others,” he concluded.

The beautiful faces of revelers, mouthwatering pizzas, food and drinks on display and good music totally electrified the setting. They danced, shared fun and were particularly enchanted as they celebrated the Chinese New Year. International Students from Asia, Africa and Europe showcased their dancing talents on stage.

Doing it the African way,International Student dancers from Liberia and Ghana on stage

The party represented the world in a single room as music done in English, Russian, Kiswahili, Spanish, Yoruba, and other languages enjoyed the airplay. All international students brought together and connected by a single cause; the massive 2018 Chinese New Year Party.

To demonstrate that the school values students’ participation into these social events, a competition was introduced where everyone emerged a winner and received a prize.

International Students displaying their prizes after the competition  

Finally, President for the SSDPP International Students Leadership seized the opportunity to express his heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of SSDPP for their supports.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Written by: Lwana Palwendo Kamanga (2017 cohort)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Edited by:  Edward Lama & Moses Ekpe

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Photos by: Lwana & Edward