The Confucius Institute at Webster University to Host the Regional "Happy Chinese" Competition

The Confucius Institute at Webster University has been selected by the Chicago Chinese Consulate to host the Regional "Happy Chinese" Competition. The "Happy Chinese" competition is the brand name for the Chinese language competition for non-chinese speakers.

The competition will be held on the Webster University campus in Webster Groves on Saturday, April 21 in Moore Auditorium, Webster Hall, 470 E. Lockwood Ave. Approximately 100 middle school, high school and college students from nine states in the mid-west region of the U.S. will be on the University's campus for the competition. College students will compete by presenting present 20 different "performances" between 9:30 a.m. and noon. From 1:30-5 p.m. middle school and junior and senior high students will compete by presenting 30 different "performances." Some of presentations are individual others are group competitions. There will be 20 teachers accompanying their students. This event is free and open to the public. The Award Ceremony is in the Commons of Webster University's East Academic Building, 545 Garden Ave. at 5:30 p.m. The winners will win a trip to China for a week in summer 2012, where they will compete with other winners from around the world. A member of the Chinese Consulate in Chicago will be present for the event. 

The Confucius Institute at Webster University is a cooperative project between Webster University, Beijing Language and Culture University and The Office of Chinese Language Council International of the Chinese Ministry of Education (HANBAN). Last October, the Confucius Institute at Webster University was designated by the Beijing Language and Culture University as a model Confucius Institute.

Webster University is proud to host Missouri's first Confucius Institute and to provide Chinese educational opportunities to the greater St. Louis area. The Confucius Institute at Webster University was established in 2008 and is part of an international network of Confucius Institutes in 66 countries across the globe dedicated to promoting the understanding of Chinese language and culture and fostering friendly relations between China and the world.

The Confucius Institute at Webster University provides language and cultural instruction and resources to students in K-12 schools, Webster University, adult continuing education programs and cultural events. Currently Webster's Confucius Institute offers programs in 27 schools in the St. Louis area. 

For more information about the event and to learn more about the Confucius Institute at Webster University, call 314-246-2202.