THE beauty of music, art and cultural expression took centre stage at the Chinese embassy in Harare on Friday, May 29, as children from Zimbabwe and China marked International Children’s Day through song, dance and creative exchange.
The event highlighted the role of the arts not only as a reflection of cultural heritage but also as an essential component of quality education.
The embassy’s Open House transformed diplomacy into a learning space where culture, creativity and education converged. From bilingual musical performances and martial arts displays to Chinese calligraphy, paper-cutting, New Year painting colouring, Peking Opera mask colouring and traditional games, the event offered children hands-on cultural experience.
Hosted by Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding and Madame Lyu Renhong, the event brought together government officials, educators, parents and learners. It formed part of commemorations linked to International Children’s Day, observed on June 1, and the Day of the African Child, marked on June 16. It also aligned with the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, which is expected to feature nearly 600 cultural, educational and social exchange activities across Africa.
Speaking at the event, Primary and Secondary Education deputy minister Angeline Gata described children as Zimbabwe’s greatest investment, urging learners to embrace opportunities that broaden their horizons and strengthen their character. She said education went beyond academic achievement to include values such as kindness, discipline, resilience, sportsmanship and community service.
Gata said the Open House gave learners a rare opportunity to experience another culture first-hand while deepening understanding between Zimbabwe and China. She added that cultural exchange helped young people to appreciate diversity, build positive values and develop skills for future success.
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The deputy minister reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to ensuring access to quality and safe education while protecting children from abuse, exploitation, child marriage, drug and substance abuse, and other social challenges. She highlighted ongoing cooperation with China in education through infrastructure development, scholarships, cultural exchange programmes and support initiatives benefiting learners.
Zhou said the celebration honoured “the rights, joy, strength and resilience of children across the world” while reinforcing the long-standing friendship between China and Zimbabwe.
Quoting a Chinese proverb, “When the youth are strong, the nation thrives,” Zhou encouraged learners to pursue knowledge, embrace innovation and remain open to cultural exchange. He said young people played a crucial role in shaping the future of both nations amid rapid technological advancement and global change.
The ambassador reflected on historical ties between the two countries, tracing relations back to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and noting the expansion of co-operation since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1980. He cited major infrastructure, education, healthcare and energy projects supported by Chinese assistance, alongside scholarships, vocational training and academic exchanges.
Among recent educational initiatives, Zhou highlighted the High Performance Computing Centre at the University of Zimbabwe and the China-Zimbabwe Engineering Technology Academy at Harare Polytechnic, saying these programmes are equipping young Zimbabweans with skills for the digital economy.
Lyu said children represented the hope of every family and the future of every nation. She praised teachers, parents and school leaders for nurturing young minds and shaping responsible citizens.
Drawing from both Chinese and Zimbabwean wisdom, she encouraged learners to remain curious and committed to lifelong learning. “Every language you learn gives you a new lens to see the world. Every culture you explore opens a new door. Every friendship you build becomes a bridge connecting our hearts,” she said.
Lyu added that cultural understanding remained a strong foundation for lasting friendship between nations, expressing hope that learners will become ambassadors of the China-Zimbabwe friendship and deepen people-to-people ties.
International Children’s Day, widely observed in China on June 1, focuses on children’s welfare, education and development. It complements other child-centred observances such as World Children’s Day on November 20, the Day of the African Child on June 16, which commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising and Zimbabwe’s Children’s Day on April 17.
Together, these observances reinforce global commitments to safeguarding children’s rights and investing in future generations.
China’s emphasis on education has been a defining feature of its development path since 1949. Through literacy campaigns, expansion of compulsory education, rural school development, teacher training programmes and poverty alleviation initiatives, the country has significantly reduced educational disparities and expanded access to schooling for millions of children.
As laughter echoed through the embassy grounds and children explored cultural exhibits, sampled Chinese cuisine and participated in interactive activities, the message of the day remained clear: education, culture and friendship are powerful tools for building a more connected and prosperous future.