Confucius Institute around the world (#165, Topic C)

People's Daily Overseas Edition 6/21/06 reports that there are now three Confucius Institutes in Africa; the first one was established in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2005. Beginning with 20+ students, the one in Nairobi now has 60+ students, with more on the waiting list. Enrollees include, in addition to university-level students, the secretary to Kenya's vice president and UN officials stationed in the country. On reasons for studying at the Confucius Institute, Lucaca Neocasa, the student-body president, says it well: "China, in addition to her rich heritage and culture, is developing fast, and playing an important role in the international community. I have a very strong interest in China; this is the reason that I decided to the Confucius Institute to learn Chinese." According to China's Statistical Bureau, 75 Confucius Institutes in 35 countries around the world are in operation as of June 30, 2006, with more than 100 by the end of the year. During President Hu Jintao's visit to USA in April, he participated in the opening ceremony of a Confucius Institute at the University of Maryland, which is but 20 miles east of Washington DC.