Cameroonian Student Michel Olivier Kenne: Chinese Culture Taught Me the Way of "Peace and Cooperation"

Born between 1995 and 2000 and from Cameroon, the young man Michel Olivier Kenne shows great interest in the Chinese language and culture. Therefore, he came to China to pursue a PhD in language and education. What is China like in Michel Olivier Kenne 's eyes during his stay here?

"I came to China for the first time in 2017, and have stayed here for six years till now." Michel Olivier Kenne is a doctoral student majoring in International Chinese Language Education at Beijing Language and Culture University. I met him on his campus. On that day, Michel Olivier Kenne wore a black coat and a baseball cap. People could hardly identify him as a foreigner with his fluent Chinese.

His outstanding spoken Chinese is inseparable from his strong interest in China and the Chinese language. Before coming to China, Michel Olivier Kenne had already formed a tight bond with the Chinese language. "I was first exposed to the Chinese language at the Confucius Institute in Cameroon, where I studied it for six months. Then, I went to the Confucius Institute because we could also take the Chinese program there. After gaining my bachelor's degree, I applied for a scholarship to study in China," said Michel Olivier Kenne.

Michel Olivier Kenne, who came to China for the first time, was impressed with China's progress. In such a vast country, the transportation infrastructure is so developed that people can quickly and efficiently go anywhere they want. "The first time I came to China, I was amazed by its development, especially in transportation. For example, subway, high-speed rail, etc. could bring you anywhere as you wish, so convenient. For example, if you go from Beijing to Tianjin, to Guangdong, or anywhere else, you can quickly get there," said Michel Olivier Kenne.

In 2020, Michel Olivier Kenne participated in a Chinese speech competition in China, in which he expounded his unique insights on the "peace and cooperation" of traditional Chinese philosophical thought. He stood out from thousands of international students from over 40 countries, and won first place with one go. He said, "First, the peace, then the cooperation. In my opinion, China is a stable and peaceful country, and peace and stability are important factors in promoting its rapid development. Therefore, no peace, and no development. No matter where you come from, and no matter what skin color, country, or identity you have, we should work together to make the world peaceful. If there is peace, we will make progress easily."

In China, Michel Olivier Kenne met many kind, enthusiastic and selfless Chinese people. After studying and researching, he has made good friends with his teachers and classmates. Therefore, he has a colorful life, rather than a lonely one, in China. He said, "We are all very happy, especially my Chinese friends. They welcome me and show me the charm of China. If I have time, I will go to Beijing's famous historical sites to see how beautiful China is."

Michel Olivier Kenne is looking forward to his life after graduating with a PhD. "Given the opportunity, I would definitely work as a teacher in university, or in a media organization, for I am interested in media. I would love to work at a radio and television station in China. Given the chance, I am very willing to have such a job."

Michel Olivier Kenne told the reporter that China is a country worth developing one's career. All his past experiences in China tell him that he could gain the best opportunities here. "China is a paradise for personal development. In China, everyone can find their own way and direction of interest to develop in education, economy, whatsoever. Its social inclusiveness and cultural richness provide all the people with all the possibilities for development."