In brief
On November 7, Maputo hosted the inaugural MozDream Chinese Singing Competition, organized by the Confucius Institute at Eduardo Mondlane University. The event highlighted students’ Mandarin talents and the role of cultural exchange in deepening Sino‑Mozambican friendship. Winners and officials praised Mandarin education as a bridge to broader opportunities.
Xinhua reported that on November 7, the first "MozDream" Chinese Singing Competition took place in Maputo, Mozambique, as part of the Confucius Institute’s efforts to promote Mandarin learning and cultural exchange. The contest brought together local students who performed Chinese songs, showing their growing language skills and interest in Chinese culture.
Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Zheng Xuan praised the event, noting that the Confucius Institute at Eduardo Mondlane University has helped thousands of students experience Chinese language and culture since 2012. He said,
"Chinese language learners are messengers who promote cultural exchanges between China and Mozambique, and strengthen the friendship between the two peoples."
Vice‑rector Amalia Alexandre Uamusse of UEM added that the competition revealed students’ enthusiasm for learning Mandarin. She said,
"This Chinese singing competition is an initiative of great educational and cultural value,"and noted that it turns language study into a creative, engaging experience.
João Julio Manecas, who won first place, explained that his choice of song was recommended by his Chinese teacher and that he spent time studying the original singer’s performance before adding his own touches. He encouraged peers to learn Chinese, saying,
"I encourage everyone to learn Chinese because it is a very interesting language. You can learn many things, and it also helps broaden your mind."
Officials see the competition as a stepping stone for students to improve Mandarin proficiency and explore future career opportunities, strengthening ties between the two countries. The event marked a significant milestone in Sino‑Mozambican cultural collaboration and highlighted the growing influence of Chinese language education in Africa.
