China Railway Seventh Group (Sierra Leone) Co., Ltd. (CRSG) has launched a Chinese Culture Learning Program aimed at promoting language skills and cultural exchange among Sierra Leonean students and CRSG staff. The initiative was held on Saturday, 13th September 2025, at CRSG’s Mongeba Office in Grafton, with participants from Freetown Polytechnic and CRSG’s Sierra Leonean management team in attendance.
The program is part of CRSG’s “Road in Harmony and Cultural Integration” drive and supports China-Sierra Leone cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Cultural Silk Road. It focuses on Chinese language instruction and appreciation of traditional Chinese culture, including tea customs.
CRSG General Manager Du Xinguo emphasized that language is the foundation of friendship and collaboration. He noted that mutual understanding through language strengthens relationships and fosters lasting connections. Highlighting CRSG’s nearly two decades of presence in Sierra Leone and over 50 years of China-Sierra Leone diplomatic ties, Du described the program as both timely and meaningful.
He further explained that the initiative goes beyond cultural learning, aiming to equip Sierra Leonean youth with career skills, global awareness, and values that contribute to personal and professional growth. Du encouraged participants to treat each other as family and carry the lessons into their communities.
Wu Cui, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone, congratulated participants and emphasized the Institute’s role in promoting Chinese language and culture since its establishment in 2012. With 22 teaching sites nationwide and over 30,000 learners trained, the Institute has also facilitated study opportunities in China for nearly 100 Sierra Leonean students. Wu highlighted that the curriculum includes cultural subjects such as martial arts, calligraphy, music, and folk dance, describing culture as a vital bridge for mutual understanding.
Prince Brainard, Planning and Quality Assurance Officer at Freetown Polytechnic, described the program as a milestone in the Polytechnic’s partnership with CRSG. Speaking on the theme “Silk Road: Inhabiting and Cultural Inclusion,” he emphasized the role of such initiatives in preparing youth for global citizenship and fostering peace, unity, and mutual respect.
CRSG Chief Supervisor Wang Xiang thanked partners for their collaboration and outlined the program’s three objectives: deepening China–Sierra Leone cultural exchange, empowering cross-cultural teams, and supporting sustainable development through academic–industrial cooperation.
The initiative reflects CRSG’s commitment to combining engineering expertise with social responsibility, offering Sierra Leonean youth a meaningful platform for cultural learning, international exposure, and future opportunities.
