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On 17 September, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival of the Chinese lunar calendar, the USTB-Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ Confucius Institute (Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ CI) hosted a festive reception to welcome its new cohort of Mandarin teachers. Professor Louise Peacock, Ms Lisa Lewis and other Board Members of Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ CI attended the event, which was hosted by Ms Andrea Gu, Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ CI Co-Director.

Andrea opened the event with a warm and heartfelt speech, extending her welcome to the newly arrived teachers and honoured guests. She also took the opportunity to briefly introduce the origins, customs, and symbolic foods associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, offering insight into the rich traditions and cultural significance of this celebrated reunion holiday. Following Andrea’s address, Professor Louise Peacock, Chair of the Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ CI Management Board, expressed her warm greetings to the new teachers, highlighting the critical contributions and enduring support of the Confucius Institute in fostering cross-cultural exchange. After Louise’s remarks, each new Mandarin teacher also introduced themselves, sharing their personal excitement and aspirations for the year ahead, with other guests present also expressing their warm welcome and best wishes to the new teachers.

As the formal proceedings concluded, guests were treated to traditional Mid-Autumn delicacies--mooncakes, which were met with much appreciation. The new teachers then delighted the audience with a captivating talent showcase, including performance of traditional Chinese bamboo flute, Chinese folk dances and a stunning Tai Chi Fan dance, earning resounding applause and cheers from the audience. The celebration not only welcomed the new Mandarin teachers but also offered participants an opportunity to deepen their appreciation for the cultural richness behind the Mid-Autumn Festival.