Confucius Institute at The Hague participated celebration activites of Chinese Tiger Year of the Chinese embassy in the Netherlands for the adoptive families of Chinese children
On 13th February came the climax of all Chinese in the Netherlands celebrating Chinese new year.
In the afternoon, a special activity celebrating the tiger year spring festival was held for those Dutch families adopting Chinese children in the hall of Chinese embassy in Holland. Guests invited to attend this celebration include: Chinese Ambassador Mr. Zhang Jun and his wife, Dutch Secretary of Justice Mr. Barry and his wife, officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, representatives from main adoption organizations, and 40 families about 250 people (including over 120 kids and their parents). Ambassador Zhang Jun wished all children happy and healthy in the coming year, and hopes that they, as a bridge connecting the two countries, could deepen the friendship between the two peoples. Secretary Barry also wished all happy tiger year. He said there has been a long-term good cooperation between the two sides in adopting Chinese children; and hoped it could be strengthened with the care and efforts of the two governments.
This celebrating activity on Chinese new year’s eve provided a chance for the Chinese from China and their Dutch parents to experience in person Chinese culture and thus know China better. The hall was decorated with fabric tigers, red lanterns and Chinese knots, which contrast finely with each other, providing a thick festival atmosphere. Wuxi song-and-dance troupe from Jiangsu province China presented songs, dances, and musical instrument performance with characteristics of the south of Yangtze river. Ambassador Zhang Jun with his wife, and Secretary Barry with his wife sent red packets and fabric tigers to all children and gave special presents to those born in a tiger year, which pushed the celebration to a climax.
Ms. Zhou Jiajuan, Chinese director of Confucius Institute the Hague, and a Chinese teacher attended the celebration for the first time and were deeply moved when seeing Dutch parents’ sincere love to the Chinese children. With admiration and appreciation from the bottom of their hearts, they hope to do more for the families and the adoption organization. Ms. Zhou communicated with some Dutch parents, introduced Confucius Institute the Hague, and posed for a picture as a beautiful and special memory. Correspondent from International Broadcasting Station of the Netherlands interviewed Ms. Zhou on the site.
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