UDSM Confucius Institute Wins Global Grand Prize in ‘My Confucius Institute’ Short Video Competition
By Zamda George, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam has earned international acclaim after its Confucius Institute won the Grand Prize at the fifth “My Confucius Institute” Global Short Video Competition, held at Beijing Language and Culture University, China, on 25 September 2025.
Their short film, titled “Teacher Gu Qiao’s Mission No. 7,” emerged as the best among 616 outstanding entries submitted by 143 Confucius Institutes from 84 countries for the award organized by the Chinese International Education Foundation.
“Upholding a professional, fair and prudent attitude, the expert jury while, conducted multiple rounds of rigorous evaluation, and finally selected 3 Grand Prizes, 15 First Prizes, 30 Second Prizes and 100 Third Prizes. Thirty-seven Confucius Institutes won the Best Organization Award, and 15 creators were conferred the title of "CI Talent”, stated Chinese Confucius Institute.
The creative production was jointly crafted by Chinese teacher Ms. Jiang Xiaoxiao and local teacher Mr. Gu Qiao (known locally as Mr. Joseph Israel Gurti), under the overall direction of Prof. Xiaozhen Zhang, the Chinese Director of the UDSM Confucius Institute.
Filmed in a lively variety show style, the video follows Teacher Gu Qiao through Tanzania’s bustling SabaSaba Exhibition, officially known as the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF). Amid the vibrant scenes, he immerses himself in Tanzanian culture while introducing Chinese language and traditions to local audiences, revealing a rich blend of both worlds.
With warmth, humour, and creativity, the short film beautifully captures the spirit of cultural fusion and friendship. Its originality, compelling narrative, and authentic portrayal of cross-cultural exchange impressed the competition’s expert jury, earning it the coveted top prize.
Prof. Zhang said the award represents both an individual triumph and a reflection of UDSM’s global outlook. “It affirms our commitment to cross-cultural education. Through creative teaching and storytelling, we continue to build bridges between Tanzania and China, founded on understanding, friendship, and shared creativity,” she said.
From SabaSaba to the World
Each year, UDSM’s pavilion at the DITF serves as a vibrant showcase of the university’s innovation, creativity, and community engagement. For years, the university has used this national platform to connect with the public, display research breakthroughs, and celebrate Tanzanian ingenuity.
Reflecting on the Confucius Institute’s global victory, Dr. Dotto Paul Kuhenga, Head of UDSM Communication and Marketing, and custodian of all university exhibitions, commended the team for transforming a local platform into a global triumph.
“We are proud that SabaSaba, a space that has long represented UDSM’s engagement with the community, has inspired an award-winning story. The fact that a video filmed at our pavilion has earned international recognition shows just how dynamic and creative our university community is,” said Dr. Kuhenga.
UDSM leaders, staff, and students have celebrated the win as a milestone achievement, cementing the university’s Confucius Institute among the most vibrant centres for Chinese language learning and cultural exchange in Africa.
“This recognition is a testament to UDSM’s commitment to international collaboration and cultural integration. Our teachers’ success mirrors the spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence that defines the University of Dar es Salaam’, noted Dr. Mussa Hans, the Tanzanian Director of the Confucius Institute.
Co-creator Ms. Jiang Xiaoxiao expressed heartfelt gratitude: “Creating ‘Teacher Gu Qiao’s Mission No. 7’ was a joyful experience. We wanted to portray everyday moments of learning and cultural exchange. Winning the Grand Prize confirms that education truly connects hearts across continents”.
Her co-creator, Mr. Joseph Israel Gurti (Gu Qiao), added: “The video was more than a film project; it was a journey of discovery. It showed how much we can achieve when creativity meets curiosity across cultures.”
A Decade of Cultural Exchange
Established in 2013 through a partnership between the University of Dar es Salaam and Zhejiang Normal University, China, the Confucius Institute has become a national leader in Mandarin language teaching, cultural promotion, and people-to-people exchange.
It has trained thousands of Tanzanians, including students, professionals, and community members, while fostering mutual understanding through education, exhibitions, and artistic collaboration.
The Institute’s latest global win not only celebrates its decade-long legacy but also highlights UDSM’s growing influence as a hub for innovation, creativity, and international partnership. Once again, the University of Dar es Salaam demonstrates that learning knows no borders, and that powerful stories can unite the world.