Unveiling Ceremony of Confucius Classroom at Kildare Town Community School

On February 28, 2025, the UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland held a grand unveiling ceremony for the Confucius Classroom at Kildare Town Community School. H.E. Zhao Xiyuan, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, and Former Ceann Comhairle TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl jointly unveiled the plaque, marking the official inclusion of Kildare Town Community School in the global network of Confucius Classrooms. This event represents an important step in promoting Chinese language education and strengthening cultural exchanges between China and Ireland.

The ceremony was hosted by Principal John Hayes and attended by esteemed guests, including Former Ceann Comhairle TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Chinese Ambassador H.E. Zhao Xiyuan, Prof. Liming Wang, Director of the Irish Institute for Chinese Studies, Dr. Zhu Xikun, First Secretary of the Education Section at the Chinese Embassy in Ireland, Prof. Jiangnan Xie, Chinese Director of the UCD Confucius Institute, and Ms. Yanling Wang, Director of the UCD Confucius Institute, along with teachers from the Confucius Institute.

The event began with a vibrant student performance featuring group singing and traditional Irish dance, showcasing the beauty of cultural fusion between China and Ireland. Principal John Hayes then delivered a welcome speech, expressing his appreciation for the establishment of the Confucius Classroom and his eagerness to utilize this opportunity to enhance the school’s Chinese language education and intercultural exchange. Prof. Liming Wang shared insights into the application process for the Confucius Classroom and the current development of Confucius Institute and Classroom worldwide. He congratulated the establishment of the Confucius Classroom and expressed his hope that it would become a global model in the future.

In his address, Former Ceann Comhairle TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl emphasized the significance of language and cultural exchange in today’s interconnected world and expressed his high hopes for the future of the Confucius Classroom at Kildare Town Community School. Ambassador H.E. Zhao Xiyuan reiterated the importance of language as a bridge for communication, fostering greater mutual understanding and friendship between China and Ireland. He encouraged students to embrace learning Chinese as an opportunity to explore Chinese culture and to serve as ambassadors of China-Ireland relations.

Student representatives from Kildare Town Community School shared their unforgettable experiences from their study visits to China, expressing their passion for learning Chinese and their deep appreciation for Chinese culture.

Amid enthusiastic applause, Ambassador Zhao Xiyuan and Former Ceann Comhairle TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl jointly unveiled the Confucius Classroom plaque, officially inaugurating the Confucius Classroom at Kildare Town Community School. Following the ceremony, school students and staff participated in Chinese cultural workshops organized by UCD CII staff, engaging in activities such as calligraphy, paper cutting, and Tai Chi, immersing themselves in the richness of Chinese traditions.