Kenyan pupil who learned Chinese on YouTube becomes Africa Champion in global contest

NAIROBI, Kenya — A Kenyan primary school pupil, Wanjiru Ethan Noah, has soared to become Africa’s champion in the 6th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Show for Foreign Primary School Students. This global competition places him among five continental champions. Chinese officials have lauded Ethan’s accomplishment as proof that young learners can forge cross-cultural connections through language, mentorship, and determination.

Ethan’s journey into Chinese language learning began on YouTube and Facebook, as he and his brother, Ebrahim Matthew, self-taught the language after developing an interest in it. Three years ago, the brothers registered for the HSK Level 1 examination at the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University. Recognized for their exceptional skills, they were later mentored by their teachers, who provided textbooks and study materials as they progressed through additional HSK examinations.

Their teachers then recommended them for the “Chinese Bridge” competition, accompanying them to China for the global finals. Ambassador Guo Haiyan of China hailed Ethan’s achievement, noting his unusual path to learning Chinese without formal classroom instruction. He recounted the tale of ancient Chinese explorer Zheng He sailing to Kenya, exchanging Chinese tea for a giraffe, an anecdote that highlighted the deep cultural ties between the two nations.

Ethan’s unique presentation of the Zheng He story enchanted the judges, earning him the title of Africa’s champion on his way to the global finale.