Teachers bring Chinese language to remote Sri Lankan homes

COLOMBO — Voices reading Chinese are often heard on the serene hilly campus of Sabaragamuwa University nestled in the southern foothills of Sri Lanka's central mountains.

Stationed here are three teachers from China, teaching at a Confucius Classroom established in 2019 by China's Huanggang Normal University and Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

Life here comes with many inconveniences. Mosquitoes swarm the teachers' dormitories which often have scary visitors like snakes and rats. Water, electricity, and internet cuts lasting seven or eight days during the rainy season are common. Fresh vegetables and daily essentials can only be bought at the farmers' market that is held once a week, and the nearest supermarket requires nearly an hour's drive on mountain roads.

Despite all these, Zhu Song, the director of this classroom, who has persevered here for over three years, remains optimistic. "I have survived the most difficult challenges. I feel quite content with life now," she says.

The other two women, Zhang Huan and Xia Zihan, share a positive and optimistic understanding of their profession as overseas Chinese teachers. "Rather than defining ourselves through sacrifice and dedication, we prefer to inspire children with positivity, friendliness, and vitality, igniting their enthusiasm for learning Chinese and their love for China."