The Chinese Middle School founded in 1912 celebrated its annual prize giving day on Saturday 15th December at the seat of the institution at Dr Joseph Rivière Street, Port Louis. Honourable Sylvio Tang, Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Dang, First Consul of the Chinese Embassy and Mr Bai the Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre, as well as many other personalities from different walks of life and parents have honoured by their presence.

The School staffed by eleven teachers has a population of 300 pupils run mandarin classes on Saturdays from 9.00 to 12.00 on a non-commercial basis. The principal Mr Koon Tin Chun expressed his satisfaction and felt deeply proud by the constant rise in the performance of the pupils and always tried to encourage them to aim at excellence. Recent statistics have shown a greater interest among parents to send their wards to learn mandarin, a language which is fast gaining ground on international scene with the emergence of People?s Republic of China as an economic superpower. He announced amidst applause that the school has bagged several prizes (Best Play, Best Director and Best Actress) with the play entitled: Unforgettable Holiday, in the National Drama Festival 2007 organised by the Ministry of Arts and Culture at Serge Constantin theatre, Vacoas in August last.

Mr. Bruno Lai Wai, the President of the PTA of the school thanked the Chinese Embassy and the Ministry of Education for their unflinching support to disseminate the teaching of mandarin in Mauritius. Whereas Mr Dang of the Chinese Embassy expressed his joy to find so many people interested in learning mandarin and said that the doors of the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Cultural Centre are wide open for any help, be it moral or financial, to promote the teaching of mandarin.

Mr. Tang Yue Sing, the President of the Federation of the Chinese Societies said that his long cherished dream is to build another school at Baie du Tombeau to cater to the growing demands. He paid a glowing tribute to the founder members (Lai Fat Fur, Ng Cheng Hin and Koo Venpin) for their foresight and wisdom. The Chinese Middle School has played a major role in the propagation of the Chinese culture and it has moulded many generations who are now occupying key posts in many sectors. It is the cradle of Chinese culture.

Honourable Sylvio Tang reiterated the commitment of the actual Government to encourage the flowering of ancestral languages in our multi-lingual and multi-racial society. The ceremony conducted by Mrs Qiu Jin Lian ended at about 13.10 with a get-together followed by snack and refreshments.

<B>Philip LI CHING HUM</B>