New efforts are in progress in Germany, to introduce Chinese teaching in schools. One of the elements of the initiative was a seminar that proved informative and insightful.
The Confucius Institute in Hanover and the educational authorities of Niedersachsen gathered for a seminar in the northern town of Buxtchdue. The aim was to rouse interest among students in Chinese culture and history. The gathering took place at a local high school, between October 30th and November 1st.
One session was titled "A Survey of China's History and Philosophy." Participants engaged in a brainstorming session, which called upon them to create a listing as long as possible, of key words that pertain to China. The list included things like, the Great Wall, silk, tea, terra cotta warriors, printing techniques, the Three Gorges Project, Special Administrative Region, and Beijing Olympic Games.
