On 1 December, Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury (CIUC) and Rewi Alley 120th Anniversary Commemoration Committee Canterbury held a half-day symposium on recent research into Rewi Alley’s life at Christchurch Boys’ High School.
120 people attended the symposium including 10 Chinese delegations from Beijing, Gansu and Hubei provinces, some are at senior levels, as well as Rewi’s families from China and New Zealand.
The Chairman of Commemoration Committee, former President of New Zealand Chinese Friendship Society Eric Livingstone made a welcome speech, remarking that the major objective of the symposium is to provide an opportunity for the exchange of recent research being undertaken by different people and organisations in both China and New Zealand.
CIUC Deputy Director Associate Professor Jing Jiang in her speech said: “ The emotional connection and personal linkage between New Zealanders and Chinese people and the legacy of Rewi Alley should be passed on from generation to generation. Since the full operation of CIUC in 2010, the Confucius Institute has been committed to building the connection and bridging the friendship between the two peoples.With the increasing number of Kiwis speaking Chinese and understanding China, this connection and bond will be stronger and continue for many years to come.”
The symposium was made up of three sessions followed by panel discussions: Rewi Alley’s Life & Influences, Rewi Alley’s Educational Ideas and The legacy of Rewi Alley’s Life. 12 speakers from New Zealand and China presented their research findings at the symposium. Associate Prof. LI Jing from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) presented her paper on Rewi Alley and His Translation of Chinese Poetry.
Dr. ZHANG Yifan, a teacher and YANG Zong, a master degree candidate from the School of Foreign Languages of HUST provided interpretation service at the symposium.
2017 marks the 120th anniversary of Rewi’s life, who was one of the most influential foreigners in China in the 20th century and has been recognised as one of China’s top foreign friends, dedicating 60 years of his life to his adopted country. The symposium is part of the 120th Anniversary Commemorations of Rewi’s birth.
Photo1: Chairman of Rewi Alley 120th Anniversary Commemoration Committee Eric Livingstone made a welcome speech.
Photo2: CIUC Deputy Director Associate Professor Jing Jiang made a speech.
Photo3: Associate Prof LI Jing from Huazhong University of Science and Technology presented her paper at the Symposium.
Photo4: Symposium on Recent Research into Rewi Alley’s Life at Christchurch Boys’ High School.
Photo5: From left to right: ZHANG Yifan, JIANG Jing, LI Jing and YANG Zong.
Chinese
