2010 Chinese New Year Celebration and
“Support Chinese School Running Fund” Presentation Ceremony

UKAPCE held the 2010 Chinese New Year Celebration & “Support Chinese School Running” Fund Giving Ceremony on 10th February, 2010 at 12:30 in New World Restaurant, London. Besides displaying Jinan University’s textbook “Zhong Wen” for students of different levels, the latest Association’s workbooks for AS and A2 exam also have been displayed. GCSE exam practice books will be published in March. All workbooks are in traditional characters and simplified characters to meet the needs of students.

Firstly, the APCE Committee Members sang a song "Congratulations" to wish all the guests a happy & healthy New Year. HE Zuo-jun, one of the Vice Presidents, and LI Hui-fang MBE held the lucky draw. Interesting to note that: The lucky draw could be described as "lucky Award" because several of the recipients were those people who made significant contribution to education: for example, WU Shan-xiong, the President, Dr. SHAN Sheng and other elderly guests. It is believed that one would be luckier if one does more charity works.

Immediately after the lunch was the Fund Giving Ceremony. It began with the wishing from two Vice Presidents of UKAPCE, Mr. ZHOU Ping Yao and Ms. LIU Yan. They used Cantonese and Mandarin respectively to wish the guests, principals and teachers have a nice Chinese New Year. Mr. WU Shan-Xiong, the President of UKAPCE, made a welcome speech. Due to the downturn global economy, the British economy had also been affected. It was the critical moment of most Chinese Schools in UK and they needed desperately funding to run the schools. Thanks to the people who were enthusiastic on Chinese education and donated incumbently and generously. Last years, there were only six or seven people who donated, but this year there were over 50 people. The contribution varied from £1000 to £10 yet it reflected the concerns of Chinese education. Although money could not solve all the problems, the concern & care make everyone involve in running the schools has a good feeling. Mr WU also made the annual report and issued the work plan for the coming year.

Since the launch of "Qilu culture", many schools and teachers showed their eagerness. Until now, more than 1200 students in the UK have the opportunity to understand the essence of the Analects of Confucius and other Chinese culture. This outcome made the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Shandong concerned. They took the initiative to host 25 participants to go to Shandong & have the field study on Qilu culture. This is a really exciting news.

Mr WU also announced that during the Easter holidays this year, the Chinese Language & Culture Education Foundation of China would hold the first "Chinese Language & Culture Easter Camp 2010, Europe” in Newcastle, the north-east city of UK, for the European Chinese children. The teachers, who are not only experts but also with overseas teaching experience, came from China. Mr. Wu wished the children of overseas Chinese in Europe could be able to enhance learning the national language and culture interest during these 12 days. The courses included introduction of Chinese culture, Chinese conversation, classical reading, calligraphy, painting, martial arts, music, dance, arts and crafts film and television production and appreciation of China.

The competitors of "The World Competitions of Chinese Culture & Knowledge” gathered in Chengdu in October 2009, The 3 British competitors were from Birmingham Overseas Chinese Association School and Bedford Chinese school. They defeated other competitors from Western countries and got the fourth place from the Asian rivals. The second "Chinese Culture & Knowledge” England Region Competition will be held at the end of April or early May this year.

The encouraging news are coming one after another. For celebrating the tenth anniversary of the establishment of "Chinese Teacher's Day" in United Kingdom and the recognition of outstanding teachers for their hard work on educating people, Chinese Teacher's Day will be held on October 24, 2010 and in a more solemn manner. Candidates must be teachers in Chinese schools and the elected form will be distributed in May.

The Chinese Embassy in UK is very concerned about the Chinese education of the Overseas Chinese’s children and paid attention on the support of Chinese education from the community. LU Xu, the Consul-General, had brought the blessing & greetings to the overseas Chinese and Chinese schools. LU pleased to see the sustained development of the Chinese schools in UK. She also encouraged the Chinese schools to diverse aspects of Chinese culture in UK. In addition, the Chinese schools should try to develop & self-improve for better future.

Followed by the speech from Dr. SHAN Sheng & Mr.WEN Zu–qiu, one of the Vice Presidents, this year's financial report was presented by WU Ming-qing, another vice president. Later, the 70s-year-old Zhou Ping-yao was given a souvenir by the President for his long-term volunteer work in the Association. On behalf of the Zhejiang Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, Ms. LI Xue-lin, President of the Zhejiang Province Association in UK, donated 2 sets of 'the new Chinese readers' and 500 pounds to the Funding.

The final task was the Fund Giving. This year, there were 46 Chinese schools got the benefits.