Taiwan-Nevis Partnership Fortified by Success of 28 in TOCFL Examination

The island of Nevis celebrated the achievements of twenty-eight individuals who successfully completed the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT), marking the fourth year of this impactful educational program. Initiated in 2020, the program stands as a testament to the fruitful collaboration between the Nevis Island Administration and the Government of Taiwan, opening doors for Nevisian students and adults to learn Mandarin Chinese and broaden their horizons. The awards ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Premier Mark Brantley, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Edward Ling-Wen Tao, and Minister of Education Troy Liburd, underscoring the significance of this initiative.

Premier Brantley, the driving force behind the program, lauded the initiative’s success and celebrated the participants’ dedication. He emphasized the positive impact of implementing beneficial ideas for the betterment of the Nevisian people, highlighting the program as a prime example of this principle. A special acknowledgment was given to eight-year-old Nathan Daniel, the youngest individual to pass the exam in Nevis, achieving a Novice 2 level. Premier Brantley expressed gratitude towards the Taiwanese government for their continuous support, particularly recognizing the contributions of former Ambassador Michael Lin.

Ambassador Tao commended the participants for conquering the challenges of learning Mandarin, a language known for its complexity, especially when studied outside a native environment. He lauded their dedication, passion, and persistence, emphasizing that their TOCFL certificates serve as undeniable proof of their language proficiency. Ambassador Tao envisions these newly acquired language skills as “windows of opportunity,” expressing hope that many of the successful candidates will pursue further studies in Taiwan with potential scholarships.

The awards were presented by a distinguished group including Minister Liburd, Premier Brantley, Ambassador Tao, and Mrs. Liao, Ambassador Tao’s wife. The event featured both the national anthems of St. Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations. Adding a personal touch, students Kalliya Isaac and Delijah Clarke delivered a bilingual speech, with Clarke expressing her optimism that the TOCFL certification would pave the way for future opportunities, including studying and living in Taiwan.

Beyond the awards, the ceremony also served as a farewell for Mandarin instructor Ms. Chen Chi, who dedicated five years to teaching in Nevisian secondary schools and adult classes. Principal Education Officer Londa Brown praised Ms. Chen’s commitment and integration into the Nevisian education system. Ambassador Tao described Ms. Chen as a cultural ambassador and a cherished friend of Nevis, highlighting her impact beyond the classroom. He assured the attendees that the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) is actively recruiting a new Mandarin teacher to continue the program’s momentum.

Premier Brantley presented Ms. Chen with a gift from the Nevis Island Administration, acknowledging her deep connection with the community and her contribution to the cultural exchange between Nevis and Taiwan. Ms. Chen expressed her gratitude for the support she received during her tenure, emphasizing the lasting memories and interactions she cherished. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Zahnela Claxton, delivered closing remarks, echoing the collective gratitude towards Ms. Chen’s service. The Mandarin Chinese program in Nevis stands as a shining example of the collaborative spirit between the Nevis Island Administration and the Government of Taiwan, enriching the educational landscape and providing invaluable opportunities for Nevisian learners.