The 2017 Taiwanese “Mandarin Chinese Character Festival” was held on Saturday 8th July in “Greystones Educate Together National School” in Co. Wicklow. The event was organised by Mrs. Evan Furlong, Principal of the “Mandarin Chinese School in Dublin” and supported by the “Taipei Representative Office in Ireland” and the “Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC)”. Peoples from politics, business, education and media plus students, teachers and parents were in attendance. The event focused on fun and interactive games designed to encourage children to learn more about Mandarin Chinese and about Taiwan’s culture. Overall the occasion proved to be very successful with warm feedback from all those involved.
In his opening speech, Ambassador Simon S.K. Tu thanked Mrs. Furlong, the Mandarin Chinese School in Dublin and the OCAC’s support. He remarked that this was the first time that such an event had been held in Ireland and spoke of the successful economic, cultural, academic, educational and scientific links between Taiwan and Ireland. He also encouraged those present to learn Mandarin Chinese due to its benefits for travel, business, study and the fact that 1.4 billion people speak the language in the whole world.
Mrs. Furlong thanked the Taipei Representative Office, the OCAC and all those who made the occasion such a success including the teachers of the Mandarin Chinese School in Dublin, the volunteers, and the Principal and staff of Greystones Educate Together National School. Alongside the day’s educational activities, cultural performances of the traditional Diabolo (Yo-Yo) and the Electric-Techno Neon Gods (Third Prince) entertained those in attendance before a wonderful lunch reception with delicious Chinese finger food followed at noon.
To finish the event, Ambassador Tu awarded prizes to outstanding students and encouraged all those present to continue learning more about Mandarin Chinese and culture.
Representative Simon S.K. Tu speaking to the participants
Principal of the Mandarin Chinese School in Dublin; Mrs. Evan Furlong speaking to those present at the event
Distinguished guest speakers also addressed the event
Representative Tu (centre left) with Mr. Frank Lu; Chairman of the Taiwan-Ireland Association (first left), Mrs. Evan Furlong; Principal of the Mandarin Chinese School in Dublin (first right), distinguished guests, participating children and the “Third Prince”
Participants practising traditional Mandarin Chinese Character calligraphy
Representative Tu presenting Certificates to outstanding students
