Organized by

Organized by

Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nepal
Nepal China Friendship Forum

Introduction

The Panda Book Corner is a fascinating initiative ,a library project, initiated by the Embassy of People's Republic of China in coordination with Nepal China Friendship Forum (NCFF) aimed at promoting cultural exchange, language learning, and understanding between China and other countries.

Primarily found in various educational institutions, libraries, or cultural centers, the Panda Book Corner serves as a dedicated space filled with a wide array of books, primarily in Mandarin Chinese, targeting learners of different proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced readers. These corners aim to provide resources that enable individuals to engage with the Chinese language, culture, history, and literature.

The collection of books in the Panda Book Corner typically covers a diverse range of topics, including literature, history, philosophy, art, language learning materials, children's books, and more. These books serve as windows into Chinese culture, offering readers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the language and gain insights into the rich heritage of China.

Beyond just books, these corners often host events, workshops, and cultural activities such as language classes, calligraphy demonstrations, storytelling sessions, and traditional arts and crafts workshops. These events foster a dynamic environment for learning and interacting with Chinese culture, creating a vibrant community hub for both enthusiasts and learners.

The name "Panda Book Corner" reflects the iconic symbol of China, the giant panda, which serves as a friendly and inviting mascot for the initiative. The playful imagery associated with pandas helps in creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere, particularly for children and young learners interested in exploring the Chinese language and culture.

Overall, the Panda Book Corner stands as a testament to the efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, providing invaluable resources and activities that encourage individuals to explore, learn, and connect with the rich tapestry of Chinese heritage and language.

Key Objectives

The Panda Book Corner is a laudable library project initiated by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in collaboration with the Nepal-China Friendship Forum (NCFF) with the primary objective of promoting the Chinese language, history, and culture in Nepal. This initiative aims to provide equal opportunities for all students to learn about China, fostering a spirit of cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. The specific objectives of the project are as follows:

Panda Book Corner 2022

This year, the Panda Book Corner will be introduced in seven schools. The names of the schools are:

Heritage English Boarding School

Tikathali, Bhaktapur

Mahendra Adarsha Vidhyashram Secondary School 

Satdobato, Lalitpur

Sanskrit Secondary School

Bhimsen Thapa Municipality, Gorkha

Uniglobe School

Kamladi, Kathmandu

Uniglobe College

Kamladi, Kathmandu

Machhapuchhre IB World School

Kusunti, Lalitpur

Shree Sanjay Sai Vidhya Mandir

Balkot, Bhaktapur

Panda Book Corner 2021

In the year 2021, the Panda Book Corner was introduced in five schools, comprising a mix of government, private, and trust-based schools. The diversity of schools chosen for this project ensures that a wide cross-section of students in Nepal has access to Chinese language and culture education. The participating schools are:

School NameLocation
Ullens SchoolKhumaltar, Lalitpur
Millsberry SchoolBansbari, Kathmandu
Adarsha Bal Ucchha Madhyamik VidhayalaBaretar, SundarBazar, Lamjung
Learning Realm International (LRI)Kalankisthan, Kathmandu
Shree Siddhi Ganesh HS SchoolPaknajole, Kathmandu

The handover program for the Panda Book Corner initiative will see the participation of several key figures, including the Honourable Education, Science and Technology Minister of Nepal, the Honourable Chinese Ambassador, and the Principals, Directors, and Teachers of the respective schools. This collective effort reflects the commitment of both the Chinese and Nepali authorities to providing students with an enriching educational experience that goes beyond traditional boundaries.

The Panda Book Corner project not only contributes to academic growth but also strengthens cultural ties and fosters mutual respect and understanding between Nepal and China. It represents a significant step towards promoting educational and cultural exchange between the two nations, enriching the lives of young students and fostering a spirit of cooperation and friendship.

Outcomes

Through access to a wide range of Chinese learning materials, students can gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, traditions, and history. This can lead to increased cultural awareness and sensitivity.

The Panda Book Corner provides a platform for students to learn the Chinese language. Over time, this can lead to improved Chinese language proficiency, which may be valuable for future academic and career opportunities.

By sharing knowledge and experiences from China, the initiative can foster cross-cultural communication and dialogue. This can help students develop interpersonal skills and open-mindedness when interacting with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

The initiative contributes to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Nepal and China by promoting mutual understanding and cooperation at the grassroots level. It can serve as a positive example of cultural exchange and diplomacy.

The Panda Book Corner encourages students to go beyond the course books and explore a wide array of learning materials related to China. This promotes a diversified and well-rounded education, encouraging students to be curious and open to new knowledge.

By providing access to valuable resources, the initiative empowers students to take control of their learning. This can help develop self-directed learning skills, which are valuable for lifelong learning.

As students learn about Chinese culture and language, they contribute to the diversity of knowledge and skills within Nepal. This can enrich the cultural fabric of the nation and create a more interconnected and inclusive society.

Improved language skills and cultural knowledge can open up academic and career opportunities for students in fields related to international relations, trade, tourism, and more.

The project can also empower educators by providing them with additional resources and teaching materials, enhancing their ability to teach Chinese language and culture effectively.

The Panda Book Corner can engage the local community by organizing events, seminars, and cultural exchanges related to China. This promotes a sense of community and shared learning.

Program Agenda










4:00 pm to 5:30 pm


Welcome Remarks and Program Highlight

Dr. Kalyan Raj Sharma, President, Nepal China Friendship Forum (NCFF)

Short Video about Panda Book Corner Thoughts Sharing

Mr. Ram Krishna Bhandari

Teacher from Adarsha Bal Ucchha Madhyamik Vidhayala

Video about Tibet Experience Sharing

Student from Apsara School


1st Dance

Cultural Performance


Remarks of the Distinguished Guest

H. E. Ms. Hou Yanqi, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal


Speech

Mr. Krishav Pant from LRI


2nd Dance

Cultural Performance


Remarks of the Chief Guest

Hon’ble Devendra Paudel, Minister of Education, Science and Technology

Distribution of the library book (Dummy) Closing Remarks

Dr. Devkant Joshi, Principal, LRI School

Photos of Panda Book Corner 2021

Panda Book Corner 2021

This year, the Panda Book Corner will be introduced in five schools. Among the five schools, one school is private whereas four schools are Government. The names of the schools are:

School NameLocation
Chandeshwori Secondary High SchoolProvince 1, Okhaldhunga
Shiba High SchoolKarnali Province, Jajarkot
Nisarga BatikaProvince 3, Kathmandu
Bal Bikas Samaj Adharbhut BidhyalayaProvince 3, Kathmandu
Shree Ratna Rajya Secondary SchoolProvince 3, Kathmandu

Program Agenda











5:00- 6:30 


Welcome Remarks and Program Highlight 

Dr. Kalyan Raj Sharma, President, Nepal China Friendship Forum (NCFF)


Short Video about Panda Book Corner 


Experience Sharing 

Student, Pathsaala Nepal Education Foundation 


Experience Sharing

Principal, Bagiswori Higher Secondary School, Bhaktapur   


Remarks of the Distinguished Guest 

H. E. Ms. Hou Yanqi, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal 


Remarks of the Chief Guest 

Hon’ble Giriraj Mani Pokharel, Minister of Education, Science and Technology


Distribution of the library book 


Cultural Performance 


Closing Remarks    


                             Refreshment

Photos of Panda Book Corner 2019

Panda Book Corner 2018

A book corner was established and 5000 books were provided to five schools. In addition, shelves were also provided for the proper management of the books. The names of the schools are mentioned below: 

  • Pathshala Nepal Foundation
  • Akshara School
  • Euro School Nepal
  • Bageshwori Higher Secondary school
  • Bhanu Higher Secondary School ( Durbar High School)

Photos of Panda Book Corner 2018