The China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) officially launched the “Silk Road in Harmony: Cultural Integration” program on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at its Mongegba headquarters. This initiative aims to foster cultural understanding and enhance language skills among Sierra Leonean students and CRSG management staff through a series of educational sessions focused on the Chinese language and culture.
The opening ceremony brought together professional instructors from the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone, who are set to teach Hanyu Pinyin, the phonetic system for transcribing Chinese characters into Latin script. The program not only targets students from Freetown Polytechnic but also includes local management personnel from CRSG, thereby furthering engagement and collaboration across different levels of the organization.
Mr. Du Xinguo, the General Manager of CRSG, stated, “Welcome to this culture exchanging and Mandarin learning ceremony. As we know, culture is borderless, which helps us understand each other better and brings us closer together, even making us like family members.” He emphasized the importance of language as a key to establishing friendship and relationships, noting that “CRSG has been in Sierra Leone for almost twenty years, and the China-Sierra Leone relationship has spanned more than 50 years. Today, we start this program to enhance our understanding and strengthen our ties.”
Additionally, he highlighted, “This initiative also empowers the younger generation by increasing their career skills and broadening their horizons, making them more competitive in the international market.” His vision for the program is for it to be a resounding success, fostering a sense of brotherhood and community among participants.
Among the various activities planned, participants will engage in practical Chinese language lessons, an introduction to CRSG’s enterprise culture, and immersive experiences in traditional Chinese tea culture. These sessions aim to enhance cultural integration, improve management efficiency, and promote human resource development in Sierra Leone.
Ms. Wu Cui, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone, highlighted the institute’s longstanding commitment to promoting Chinese cultural activities since its establishment in 2012. “We offer a range of courses, including Chinese Language Levels 1 to 5, which not only impart language skills but also facilitate a deeper understanding of Chinese culture,” she stated. Wu emphasized the significance of language as a key tool for communication and explained how learning Mandarin will help staff understand CRSG’s core values, positioning them for improved safety and efficiency in their work.
Prince Brainard, Planning and Quality Assurance Officer at Freetown Polytechnic, praised the program for its potential to shape the future of young people. “This initiative opens a new path of friendship, dialogue, and stronger ties between our two cultures,” he said. “The focus on building respect and understanding unity in diverse cultures is vital. We are looking at ensuring sustainable peace and development, and this program will provide our youth with skills and values that extend beyond the classroom.” He encouraged attendees to celebrate harmony and integration, emphasizing the importance of investing in youth for a brighter future.
Wang Xiang, Chief Supervisor of China Railway Seventh Group (SL) Limited, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering a deep-rooted presence in Sierra Leone. He noted that the program serves to enhance cultural exchange, empower cross-cultural trade, and support sustainable development initiatives. “I urge students and employees to embrace cultural exchange as a means of opening new chapters in the relationship between Sierra Leone and China,” Wang said.
The reactions from students and local staff have been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in such a transformative learning experience. Many described the program as an eye-opener, providing them with invaluable insights into daily practices that can enrich both their professional and personal lives. Participants commended CRSG and the teachers from the Confucius Institute for their dedication in teaching foundational Mandarin, which they believe will serve as an important asset in their careers and daily interactions.
Students from the Polytechnic shared their thoughts on the program: “Being able to learn Mandarin is an incredible opportunity for us. Understanding another language helps us connect better with our Chinese counterparts and understand their culture.” Their sentiments were echoed by local workers who recognized the program as a critical step towards bridging cultural gaps.
As the Silk Road in Harmony program unfolds, it promises not only to enhance communication skills but also to deepen the appreciation of Chinese culture within Sierra Leone. Organizers hope that this initiative will pave the way for future collaborations and continued cultural exchanges between the two nations, ultimately leading to mutual growth and understanding.
In this spirit, CRSG’s efforts to promote friendly relations between Sierra Leone and China is commendable. By investing in employment and skill development for Sierra Leonean youth, CRSG is not only nurturing individual potential but also contributing to the long-term prosperity and stability of the region.
