CRSG launches cultural integration program to strengthen Chinese-Sierra Leonean ties

The China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) officially launched the "Silk Road in Harmony: Cultural Integration" program on Sept. 13, 2025, at its Mongegba headquarters. This initiative aims to foster cultural understanding and enhance language skills among students from Sierra Leone 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 will 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, furthering engagement and collaboration across different levels of the organization.

Attendees at the event pose for a group photo. (Photo provided to People's Daily Online)

Du Xinguo, representing China Railway Seventh Group (SL) Co., Ltd., emphasized the importance of language as a key to establishing strong relations. He said, "CRSG has been in Sierra Leone for almost 20 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."

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.

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 also 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 the workplace.

Prince Brainard, a 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.

Wang Xiang, chief supervisor of CRSG, 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 to teaching foundational Mandarin, which they believe will serve as an important asset in their careers and daily interactions.

"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," said a student. The students' sentiments were echoed by local workers who recognized the program as a critical step towards bridging cultural gaps.

As the "Silk Road in Harmony: Cultural Integration" unfolds, it promises to enhance communication skills while also deepening the appreciation of Chinese culture within Sierra Leone. Organizers hope that this initiative will pave the way for future collaboration and continued cultural exchanges between the two nations, ultimately leading to mutual growth and understanding.

By investing in employment and skillset development for young people in Sierra Leone, CRSG is not only nurturing individual potential but also contributing to the long-term prosperity and stability of the region.