Locals learn about China at Family Discovery Day

21/6/2022

Saturday 18th June saw over 100 primary school children and their families take part in Family Discovery Day on University Park Campus. The purpose of the event was to give children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, an opportunity to explore university life and encourage them in their aspirations for the future. It was led by the University’s Widening Participation Team and supported by several schools and departments across the University including the Nottingham Confucius Institute.

The drop-in activities offered by NCI proved to be very popular. Many pupils and parents had an enthusiastic go at water calligraphy. Some of them also asked our volunteers to write their Chinese names on pieces of red paper to take home as souvenirs. The blue and white porcelain plate drawing attracted plenty of children too, who used the utensils provided to create their own personalised Chinese-style paper plates to keep. Several children and adults also expressed amazement at the beautiful music produced by the Guzheng, a traditional Chinese musical instrument invented over 2,000 years ago. Our talented student Guzheng performer allowed some children to try the instrument, creating a good deal of excitement.

“Your activity was really engaging and interesting and very popular with the visitors who all seemed to really enjoy taking part and learning about Chinese culture and traditions,” wrote Lisa, the event manager in her thank you email to NCI after the event.

~ENDS~