A DELEGATION led by the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Jiangmen Committee, Zhang Lei recently visited Chung Wah School.
The delegation met with Chung Wah students and teacher who impressed them with cultural dances they performed and some cultural artefacts they exhibited.
As part of supporting the school, the delegation handed over some items such as computers, tablets, school bags and t-shirts.
Speaking at the event, President of the Solomon Islands China Association (SICA), Henry Quan said the Chinese Community in Solomon Islands has a rich cultural heritage and association with China, especially Guangdong Province, since the arrival of the first Chinese from Guangdong Province in around 1910.
“Since then, a lot of Chinese have chosen Solomon Islands as their home and started families and grow their businesses and live here.
“They maintain a very close relationship with their motherland and observe the Chinese customs and culture like celebrating Chinese New Year, the Lion Dance activities, paying respect to ancestors during Cheng Ming Festival, eating mooncake during the Mid-Autumn Festival, etc,” Mr Quan said.
He said today more Chinese from various parts of China are coming and doing businesses in Solomon Islands.
Mr Quan said the Chinese business community contributes a lot to the development of Solomon Islands and will continue to support the government and the people of this country.
“SICA started more than 70 years ago. It is a non-profit organization that only takes care of the interests and welfare of the Chinese people in Solomon Islands and provides help and support in times of need.
“SICA looks after the only Chinese educational institution in the country, the Chung Wah School, which not only provides education for the benefit of the Chinese community but other Solomon Islanders also.
“We believe that education is very important. It is the root of everything. It leads to a better life, a better career. It helps build a better character and a key to success,” Mr Quan said.
Mr Quan thanked the delegation for their assistance throughout the years.
Chung Wah School Principal Eunice Tahuniara, when speaking to the local media, said they invited the delegation to come in for cultural exchanges and meet students.
“Because we’re thinking that this is the only Chinese school located in Honiara, they should see what’s going on here.
“We also want to make their visit to the school a memorable one so we put on some cultural dances so that they can also have a glimpse of Solomon Islands culture,” Mrs Tahuniara said.
She added that they wanted to show the Chines delegation the different cultures and languages it was a short visit and so they only had to put up a hand-made map of Solomon Islands and some artefacts to showcase to them.
She thanked the delegation for their visit to the school and she thanked them for gifts the delegation handed over to the school.
“Thank you for the gifts and what you have put in, that shows that relationship is cemented and relationship starts to build up, not only here, but with other organizations in the Solomon Islands.
“I’m sure the gifts are going to be of great use to the school, especially the computers and tablets,” Mrs Tahuniara said.
She hopes that the relationship between Guangdong Province and Chung Wah School continues in the future.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
