NAIROBI, Kenya — A Kenyan primary school pupil who taught himself Chinese through YouTube and Facebook has emerged as Africa’s champion in the sixth Chinese Bridge Chinese Show for Foreign Primary School Students, earning a place among five continental champions in the global competition.
Wanjiru Ethan Noah began learning the language without formal classroom instruction alongside his brother, Ebrahim Matthew, before their talent attracted the attention of teachers at the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan described Ethan’s achievement as an example of how language learning can build cultural connections between young people.
Ethan Started Learning Chinese Online
Ethan and his brother initially relied on Chinese-language videos on YouTube and Facebook after developing an interest in the language.
About three years ago, the brothers registered for the HSK Level 1 examination at the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University.
“Being the youngest candidates in the room, they immediately caught the eyes of the teachers and the director,” Guo said.
The teachers subsequently began mentoring the brothers, providing textbooks and other learning materials as they progressed through additional HSK examinations.
Teachers Helped Brothers Reach Global Contest
The brothers’ progress eventually led their teachers to recommend them for the Chinese Bridge competition.
Their mentors guided them through the competition and later accompanied them to China for the global finals.
Guo said the support came from both current and former teachers, with one former teacher returning to the competition venue to coach and encourage the brothers.
“The two brothers worked incredibly hard, and their teachers were with them every step of the way,” Guo said.
Ethan Impresses With Zheng He Story
Ethan’s performance stood out for the way he connected Chinese and Kenyan history.
During the competition, he told the story of Chinese explorer Zheng He and his voyages across the Indian Ocean to the East African coast.
“I read a story about how ancient Zheng He crossed the vast ocean to reach Kenya, bringing us Chinese tea, and we presented him with a giraffe to take back to China,” Ethan said.
He then used the Kenyan expression “Hakuna Matata” to highlight the friendship between Kenya and China.
“Will our friendship with China last forever? In our language, the answer is Hakuna Matata—which translates to ‘No problem’ in Chinese!” he said.
Chinese Officials Praise Kenyan Pupil
Du Xiaohui, Director-General of the Department of African Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also praised Ethan’s performance.
Du said the Kenyan pupil had “charmed the judges” with his retelling of the Zheng He story.
“Now crowned Africa’s champion on her way to the global finale. Congrats!” Du said.
Ethan’s achievement places him among five continental champions in the sixth edition of the Chinese Bridge competition.
Language Builds Kenya-China Cultural Ties
For Ambassador Guo, Ethan’s success represents more than a language competition.
He said the experience demonstrated how young people can help strengthen cultural understanding and people-to-people ties between Kenya and China.
“May the wonderful friendship between China and Kenya continue to grow deep roots, bloom, and thrive among our young generation,” Guo said.
