Sam Redding
Black Press
High school students from School District 91 traveled to China on July 11 and are staying there for a 10-day camp sponsored by the Chinese government.
“They sponsor about 1,000 kids from around the world in different countries to come to Beijing,” said Manu Madhok, director of instruction for the school district. “We live in small rural communities so it’s a great way to get our kids to see a major trading partner. Chances are, in today’s world, at some point in your adult life, you’re going to have to do some kind of business with China so it’s just a great opportunity for our kids.”
This the third Beijing trip organized here, the two Vanderhoof kids will joined by five other students from the area.
The trip is organized by China’s version of the provincial Ministry of Education, the Beijing International Education Exchange.
The kids were chosen through presentations that they had to make, they talked about themselves and how they’d share themselves, their community and their nation with the rest of the students overseas.
They are supposed to bring memorabilia like Canadian flags, maple syrups and any other national symbols.
When there, students will participate in a variety of activities including learning some of the language and even some Chinese cooking.
“The kids participate in a variety of activities including learning some Mandarin,” said Madhok. “They go and see some landmarks and see cultural activities and in the meantime they’re meeting kids from around the world as well as Chinese kids.”
Other activities include Chinese culture lessons, Chinese traditional handcrafts such as Chinese knot, Chinese painting, clay and dough figurines as well as Kung Fu demonstrations and lessons.