OPEN MINDS: The African Students Association in China sharing the continent's culture

But Ezemaduka, who is now pursuing her doctorate at China's prestigious Peking University, also knew the misunderstanding was a two-way street: Chinese people also lack knowledge about Africa. Many prefer to see Africa as a whole and cannot differentiate between its countries; some have no idea it's populated with people of all races besides black Africans; and others only associate the words "poor" and "backward" with the continent.

"It's because most of them believe what they see on TV," says Ezemaduka. "But that's not the true Africa. Channels like National Geographic show animals, which may be correct. But some reports about Africa on both Western and Chinese TV don't show the Africa that I know."

 Recent years have witnessed a significant rise in the number of African students coming to study in China. Most are already well educated and using their time at Chinese universities to pursue master's or doctor's degrees. Unlike stereotypical images the Chinese are accustomed to seeing in the mass media, these young Africans represent a new kind of Africa for the 21st century.

Erfiki Hicham, a Moroccan friend of Ezemaduka, believes that the situation on Chinese university campuses may be better. "Many Chinese scholars have a mature understanding on Africa issues," he says, "but common people know little about Africa." 

Still, Hicham and Ezemaduka have been surprised by the interest around them. Chinese locals on the street are keen to talk with the students, trying to confirm their impressions about African dance, food, habits and the landscapes they see on television. Most of them believe Africa is a beautiful continent and are eager to visit.

"We really find it's a task to explain all these questions, because the Chinese are already open to knowledge about Africa," says Ezemaduka. As the president of her university's African students association, she feels obliged to impart her knowledge of African cultures to more Chinese people.

This task will evolve as more African students flock to China for degrees. They are reaching out with their cultures and languages, trying to build new connections between the two regions. Though their effort begins on campus, the students hope their influence can travel further.

Two sides

International cultural festivals are popular on Chinese campuses. Peking University has its international festival in the autumn, which is the busiest and most exciting time of the year for Ezemaduka. When it opens its doors to the campus, every African student shows up to represent his or her culture. They dress in traditional clothing, play traditional games, and teach fellow Chinese students how to master African hairstyles or make African scarves and food. They also invite those who are less shy to partake in traditional dances.

For most Chinese people, Africa boils down to wild nature and beautiful landscapes. Africans are proud of these treasures, but Ezemaduka believes it's not enough, "I would like the Chinese to know more about living in Africa, just as we here know about living conditions for the Chinese."

Although the festival is just a campus activity, Ezemaduka is very confident about its influence and reach. "We believe the students that we have taught can as well go on to tell others about what they learn here," she says.

Recently, her students association held a seminar called "China-Africa Educational Cooperation: Which Way Forward." An African ambassador, scholars and students from both China and Africa were invited to attend. The topic of Sino-African cooperation in education was discussed. During the seminar, the campus conference hall was filled with laughter and applause; passionate African students were cheering aloud at inspiring speeches. The Chinese students in attendance smiled in silence. In spite of their different habits, the communication proved successful.