Discovering China's Educational Excellence探索中国卓越教育的学习之旅

I got an opportunity of a lifetime to attend the seminar on outstanding teacher training for developing countries in September this year. As l embarked on my journey, l felt both excited and curious for the weeks that were ahead of me.  I was about to embark on a journey that would take me to the heart of China's educational system and give me a new perspective on education in general. The teacher development seminar I attended was designed to provide a comprehensive overview of China's educational policies and practices, and I was thrilled to discover the intricacies of China’s vast and complex educational system.

今年九月，我获得了一次终生难得的机遇，参加面向发展中国家的优秀教师培训研讨班。启程之际，我既兴奋又好奇，因为即将深入中国教育体系的核心，并由此获得对教育的全新视角。此次教师发展研讨班旨在全面介绍中国的教育政策与实践，而我亦有幸得以一窥其庞大而复杂教育体系的诸多细节。

The seminar had well-crafted lessons and activities that provided us with information on China's educational reforms and policies. We learned about the government's initiatives and its clear efforts to prioritize education, increase funding, and improve educational infrastructure. The well-esteemed professors and lecturers gave well-crafted presentations that were both engaging and informative. Each session was coupled with a Q&A segment, which I looked forward to as it provided valuable insights into the challenges and successes of China's educational system. One of the most striking aspects was the emphasis on innovation, critical thinking, and creativity in the classroom.

精心设计的课程内容，通过各类活动向我们展示了中国的教育改革与政策。我们了解到政府将教育置于优先地位，持续加大投入、改善教育基础设施的坚定举措。备受尊敬的教授与讲师们所做的报告既生动又信息丰富，每节课后都设有问答环节，这是我尤为期待的，因为这些互动让我深入洞察中国教育体系所面临的挑战与取得的成就。其中，最令人印象深刻的是对课堂创新、批判思维与创造力的高度重视。

Our visits to primary schools in China were a highlight of the trip. We observed classes, interacted with students and teachers, and gained a deeper understanding of the daily life of students in China. We got to experience what a day in school is like for a Chinese student. What was more striking was getting to see for ourselves what the Chinese students can achieve at a very young age, and how the education system strives to balance between the emotional aspects, cultural aspects, and academic in-class activities, as well as the physical well-being of the students. The schools were well-equipped with modern facilities, and the students were eager to learn and participate. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and dedication of the teachers, who are truly the backbone of any education system. 

参观中国当地小学是此行的高光时刻。我们走进课堂，与学生和教师交流，深入了解中国学生的日常校园生活。亲身感受中国小学生的一天，让我们震撼于他们在如此年幼时便能取得诸多成绩；也目睹了教育体系如何在课堂活动中兼顾情感、文化与学术，并关注学生的身心健康。学校配备现代化设施，学生们求知若渴、积极参与。教师们展现出的热情与投入令人鼓舞，他们不愧为教育体系中真正的中坚力量。

Learning, however, didn't stop in the classroom. We had the opportunity to explore China's rich cultural heritage, visiting historical sites such as the Ancient City of Jinhua, the Andi Yantou Village, where we learnt about tie-dyeing, Wuzhou, Hanzao Village, where we learnt about pottery, and our visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai. I was shocked to see the Chinese government and municipalities are making efforts to preserve their heritage by keeping and maintaining the ancient cities and traditions, and also by passing them to present generations effortlessly, despite China's advances in technology and infrastructure. These experiences provided a unique perspective on China's history and its significance in the modern world.

学习并不止步于教室。我们还探访了中国丰富的文化遗产：走访金华古城，在安地岩头村体验扎染，赴婺州汉灶村学习制陶，参观上海东方明珠塔。我惊叹于中国政府与各地市政在科技飞速、基建先进的同时，仍大力保护并维护古城与传统，并毫不费力地将之传承给当代青年。这些经历让我从独特视角认识了中国的历史及其在现代世界的重要意义。

We also had the chance to experience China's vibrant food culture, sampling local delicacies and learning about the different regional cuisines. Eating together on a round table, using chopsticks to eat. Every meal was a culinary adventure. One of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was the opportunity to meet new friends from China and other countries, such as the Gambia, Egypt, Grenada, and Uzbekistan. We shared stories, experiences, and perspectives, and I was struck by the warmth and hospitality of our Chinese hosts at Zhejiang Normal University.  The friendships we formed will undoubtedly last a lifetime, and I'm grateful for the connections we made. 

我们亦亲身体验了中国多元的饮食文化。围桌共餐、用筷子品尝各地佳肴，每一顿饭都是一次味蕾冒险。此行最宝贵的收获之一，是结识了来自中国及冈比亚、埃及、格林纳达、乌兹别克斯坦等地的新朋友。我们分享故事、经历与观点，浙江师范大学作为主办方的热情好客深深打动了我。这份跨越国界的友谊必将延续终生，我由衷感激我们建立的联系。

As I reflect on my short time in China, I'm struck by the complexity and diversity of this fascinating country and its people. China's educational system is a work in progress, with its own set of challenges and successes. But one thing is clear: China's commitment to education is unwavering, and its impact will be felt for generations to come.

回顾在中国的短暂时光，我感叹于这个迷人国家及其人民的复杂性与多样性。中国的教育体系仍在不断完善，面临挑战亦收获成功。但有一点毋庸置疑：中国对教育的承诺坚定不移，其影响将惠及后世。

The experience has left me with a newfound appreciation for the power of education to transform lives and societies. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from China's experiences and to share my own perspectives with others. I returned home inspired and eager to apply the lessons I've learned to my own teaching practice.

这段经历让我重新认识到教育改变个人与社会的强大力量。我感激能借鉴中国经验，也与他人分享自己的发现。我带着灵感返回家园，迫不及待想将所学到的方法应用于自身教学实践。

My gratitude goes to Zhejiang Normal University for hosting this incredible seminar. The Chinese government, through the Embassy of China in Zimbabwe, the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe, for awarding this opportunity, and lastly, the University of Zimbabwe, for allowing me to go and participate in this event. 

衷心感谢浙江师范大学主办此次精彩的研讨班；感谢中国驻津巴布韦大使馆、津巴布韦大学孔子学院给予我这次宝贵机会；亦感谢津巴布韦大学批准我参与此次活动。

编译 李丽琴

审核 李丽琴 Shoko