The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (PVC) of the National University of Lesotho (NUL), Prof. Kananelo Mosito says NUL collaboration and partnership with Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (popularly known as the Confucius Institute) is an important milestone leading NUL to go global in partnership.
The PVC said this during the United Nations (UN) Chinese Language Day Commemoration on Friday, 30th April, 2025 held at Roma Campus. The event was marked with diverse range of activities, including Chinese cultural performances, tasting of Chinese dishes, interactive sessions with the local Chinese communities such as the medical team, business people as well as local Alumni of Chinese Universities.
Prof. Mosito said Chinese Language has layout a remarkable gift to humanity, and as the day is celebrate alongside Sesotho Language and culture “we participate in a global dialogue that transcends difference and affirms our common dignity. We are also pleased to witness once again the generous spirit of collaboration between our local communities and Chinese resident of Lesotho, the doctors, entrepreneurs, language teachers and friends who have become part of our shared social fabric”.
“As we look to the future, with NUL advancing into it’s next century, to remain confident that values that we celebrate today of multilingualism, mutual respect and cultural exchange will remain vital pillars of our institutional character,” PVC Mosito said.
“The commemoration of UN Chinese Day language is not just an ordinary event, but it is a moment of unity, a celebration of language, culture and shared humanity as we explore the theme “Chinese, A Gift Across Time and Space”, he added.
“Learning a language open doors, not only to new words, but also to new worlds. At the hearts of today celebration, it is an enduring truth that language far from being a mere tool of speech is a mirror of thoughts, a preserver of memory and indeed a builder of peace”, Prof. Mosito said.
He indicated that the UN Chinese celebration comes at the time when NUL is commemorating 80 years’ anniversary which is a milestone of reflection, renewal and recommitment to the values that has sustained NUL throughout the decades, and “we are proudly running with the theme “NUL at 80, recalibrating quality, relevance, visibility for the next 200 years”.
He concluded that under the gracious auspices of the Chinese Institutional Education Foundation, Confucius Institute is more than a hub of language teaching, and it is also a living symbol of friendship, a bridge of ideas and a well spring of learning that brings together two nations with much to share and even more to learn from each other, “we are therefore most grateful to the embassy of the People Republic of China in Lesotho for the unwavering support they continue to render to this partnership”.
Speaking at the same event, the Principal Chief of Matsieng, His Royal Highness Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso encouraged the National University of Lesotho students to learn Chinese Language as there are many opportunities to study in China.
“We appreciate most heartedly, the bilateral cooperation that we have enjoyed with China over the years. The friendships will go even stronger, profitable with mutual respect, which nurture mutual growth”, he said.
Last year, Prince Seeiso visited his alma mater, the Beijing Language and Culture University, for the first time in nearly 30 years, met with his former professors and opened a beautiful new chapter in China–Lesotho friendship.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Ambassador Yang Xiaokun, the Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho extended his gratitude to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the National University of Lesotho and the Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, and all friends from various sectors who supported Chinese language education and cultural exchange.
“We gather to reflect on the fruitful outcomes of 30 years of China–Lesotho cultural exchanges and to showcase the dedication of educators in both countries. Over the past three decades, Chinese-built roads have traversed mountains and valleys across Lesotho, but even more valuable than concrete and steel is the connection forged between the hearts of our two peoples. While bridges and roads bring us closer physically, Chinese language and culture bring us closer spiritually. Our cooperation encompasses not only physical connectivity but also people-to-people understanding”, the Ambassador highlighted.
Earlier this April, the Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (the Confucius Institute) was officially inaugurated at the National University of Lesotho. Through this institute, according to Ambassador Yang, seeds of Chinese language education are now widely sown in this “Mountain Kingdom,” starting to take root and grow.
The Ambassador also re-affirmed China’s commitment to continue offering various scholarships and training opportunities to Basotho youth to study in China.
Officially closing the event, the Vice Chancellor of the National University of Lesotho Professor Isaac Olusola Fajana extended his heartfelt gratitude to all partners, particularly the Confucius Institute, the Chinese Embassy in Lesotho, and the Confucius Classroom at Machabeng International College, for tireless efforts in making Chinese language celebration a resounding success.
Prof. Fajana said the event has strengthened cooperation between the Confucius Institute, local schools, and international organizations, paving the way for future collaborations, adding that as our worlds becomes increasingly interconnected, proficiency in multiple languages, including Chinese, that opens doors to new opportunities and enhances global communication.
“Our peoples are moved by endurance and hope”. Let us continue to foster cultural understanding, promote language learning, and build bridges between nations”, He concluded.
The United Nations (UN) Chinese Language Day Commemoration was the first event of its kind to be jointly celebrated by the National University of Lesotho and Confucius Institute.
The Confucius Institute at NUL is designed to serve as a centre of excellence in linguistic and agricultural education, aligning with Lesotho’s national development goals while fostering international cooperation. This has been a transformative development, reinforcing the university’s role as a leader in international education, cultural exchange, and agricultural advancement.
