The Chinese community in Rwanda yesterday, launched the first ever China Culture Month, with the aim of showcasing their unique culture through art and photography.

The colourful ceremony which attracted a number of high ranking government officials, took place at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kigali.

While addressing guests, the Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Sun Shuzhong commended the good ties between his country and Rwanda adding that through the culture month, people here will learn more about China’s tradition, modernity and diversity.

"Today, we gather here to celebrate China Culture Month and present a real China to the people in this land of a thousand hills. I personally believe cultural exchanges are a bridge for our hearts and emotions.

"China and Rwanda are far from each other geographically, yet our hearts feel close indeed. This is an important platform for people of the two nations to appreciate the charm of the other’s civilization and understand each other better,” Shuzhong said with a smile.

The Minister of Sports and Culture, Joseph Habineza, also congratulated the Chinese community upon the introduction of such an informative cultural month citing that Rwanda has a lot to learn from China.

"China has a very rich culture that has also been a basis of its fast development,” habineza said.

"From their exhibition we are also able to learn how our brothers utilize natural resources like bamboo to create well woven baskets and furniture.

It is impressive and surely in Rwanda we will learn a lot from this one month period”.

All items on display are hand made from various materials that include bamboo and sisal.

Chinese students from the Chinese Confucius Institute and Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) entertained guests.

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