Media stakeholders have made a case to have Chinese animations translated into African local languages in a bid to promote cooperation and knowledge transfer among the younger generation.
The stakeholders mostly drawn from Africa while attending the China Media Group Animation Exhibition further called for the establishment of permanent programs targeting children to create a bond between China and African countries.
The calls were made Wednesday at the University of Nairobi, during the Closing Ceremony of China Media Group Animation Exhibition Tour. The productions that had been running for six months were meant to get the world’s perspective through children’s innocent viewpoint.
“Altogether we have received 171 entries since the launch of the (drawing) competition. This includes 34 African children. The young contestants presented China and Africa’s friendship through their own eyes,” said Li Fusheng from CMG
During the award of the top storytellers, Kenya Editors Guild’s President Zubeidah Kananu noted that the animation had also provided an avenue to promote cooperation between China and Africa.
“The economic ties showcased in the animation tour echo the spirit of bilateral trade agreements. The project not only entertains but also serves as an investment in shared cultural experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of our respective traditions and narratives,” said Kananu
Amid great benefits to children, various speakers spoke of the need to have the animations translated into African local languages to enable more children, especially in the remotest areas, to reach through the productions.
“We can cast it in our local languages so that African children will understand better. Many of them in rural areas hardly understand some of the animations,” said Silas Nwoha, Editor in Chief of News Agency of Nigeria
“We want our children can be exposed to new skills, techniques, and experiences, that can be beneficial to both countries,” said Moses Ndungu, Founder of Children’s Garden Home and school.
