Chinese language learners in Zimbabwe on Friday showcased their language skills during the 24th "Chinese Bridge" competition organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare, the country's capital.

HARARE, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese language learners in Zimbabwe on Friday showcased their language skills during the 24th "Chinese Bridge" competition organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare, the country's capital.

Drawing participants from primary schools, high schools, and colleges, the competition consisted of a speech in Chinese and a talent show.

Kudakwashe Makoni, a student of political science and diplomacy at the University of Zimbabwe, stood out with his grasp of the Chinese language and knowledge of Chinese culture.

He told Xinhua that the Chinese language serves not only as a practical skill to learn in a globalized world, but also as a bridge between the two countries.

"Learning Chinese provides huge opportunities for Zimbabweans. You can get scholarships to study in China, and also, with the rapidly growing Chinese economy, there is an opportunity for trade, so we can leverage the opportunity to create an amicable relationship between Zimbabwe and China," he said.

Thandeka Risinamhodzi, a high school student from Harare, was elated to be crowned the champion in the high school students' segment.

"Chinese is a very exciting language that you can learn. Learning Chinese benefits in many ways, like in Zimbabwe, most things involve the Chinese, like job opportunities," she said.

Makoni and Risinamhodzi will represent Zimbabwe at the international finals of the "Chinese Bridge" competition in China later this year.

In his address to the contest, Attwell Mamvuto, pro-vice-chancellor for academic affairs and administration at the University of Zimbabwe, said the competition not only celebrates linguistic excellence, but also marks the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

"Learning a new language opens doors to new opportunities, fosters understanding, and builds bridges between people from different backgrounds. The Chinese language, with its rich history and vast number of speakers, is a particularly valuable asset. It also augurs well with the University of Zimbabwe's strategic thrust on the internationalization agenda as well as academic and cultural exchanges," he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the growing number of Zimbabweans learning Chinese demonstrates the language's global prominence and the importance and vitality of the enduring partnership between China and Zimbabwe.

"This year, as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of China-Zimbabwe diplomatic relations, which are rooted in solidarity, shared aspiration, and mutual benefit, we also celebrate decades of our joint achievements, which include the robust educational and cultural collaboration between our two countries," Zhou added.