by Xinhua Writers Jiang Biao, Li Mengxin
KINGSTON, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- In a classroom in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, Natasha Russell, principal of the Earnest Institute for the Gifted, Hyperactive and Talented, is writing Chinese characters related to colors on the blackboard. The children sit attentively in their chairs, softly reading after her. Sometimes the room echoes with neat, rhythmic recitation, and at other times, with the cheerful melody of Chinese songs.
In 2020, in order to address the learning difficulties faced by children with special needs, Russell founded this school out of her own pocket, and soon after conceived the idea of introducing Chinese language courses.
"I first visited China in 2012. In just a few days, I could feel the rapid economic development of the country," said Russell. She hopes that children can start learning Chinese and its culture from an early age so that they can better adapt to the future world.
The children began with numbers and simple greetings. For these neurodivergent students with autism, gifted ADHD and dyslexia, songs became an important learning aid, helping them learn while singing and making the classes lively and engaging.
At first, Russell almost ran the Chinese lessons single-handedly. Worried that her pronunciation was not accurate enough, she sought help from the Chinese Embassy in Jamaica.
Through coordination, starting in September 2022, teachers from the Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica, began giving regular free lessons at the school.
"When we finally had Chinese native speakers as teachers, we no longer had to rely on video-based teaching," said Russell, noting the participation of these teachers was essential as her own pronunciation was far from ideal.
Apart from offering language classes, the Chinese Embassy and the Confucius Institute also invite students to various activities to experience the Chinese culture. During Spring Festival celebrations, the children write couplets, taste Chinese food, and learn to use chopsticks.
"I spoke Chinese with another kid, tried delicious dumplings and even wrapped a few dumplings myself," said a student when recalling his first participation at a Spring Festival event.
Russell noted that these activities not only broaden the children's horizons but also help them develop cognitively and emotionally, teaching them to understand and adapt to different cultures.
This year, Russell named the school's activity hall as "Lianxin Hall" in Chinese, symbolizing the bond between the hearts of the Jamaican and Chinese people and their lasting friendship. In July, the school held its very first graduation ceremony in this hall, for two graduates.
Russell said her school is among the first batch in Jamaica to introduce Chinese language courses from kindergarten to the elementary level. Other local schools have since approached the Confucius Institute for assistance in offering Chinese classes as well.
"Chinese has already become a major feature of our school. If we establish a high school division in the future, Chinese will also be included in the curriculum," said Russell.
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