FREETOWN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) officially launched its Chinese culture learning program on Saturday in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone.

The initiative, dubbed "Silk Road in Harmony: Cultural Integration," aims to promote the Chinese language and culture among local students and staff, while fostering stronger ties and cultural integration between China and Sierra Leone.

The event brought together professional Chinese teachers from the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone, as well as attendees, including students from the Freetown Polytechnic and local management staff from the CRSG.

Sessions throughout the day featured a variety of cultural exchange activities, including practical Chinese language instruction, an introduction to the CRSG's enterprise culture, and an immersive experience in Chinese tea culture.

Wang Xiang, chief supervisor of the CRSG, noted that the program enhances cultural exchange, empowers cross-cultural trade, and contributes to sustainable development initiatives.

"I encourage students and employees to embrace cultural exchange, as it is vital for opening new chapters in the relationship between Sierra Leone and China," Wang said.

Wu Cui, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, citing the institute's commitment to promoting Chinese culture in Sierra Leone since its establishment in 2012.

Prince Brainard, planning and quality assurance officer at the Freetown Polytechnic, emphasized the program's potential to shape the future for young people in Sierra Leone.

"This program will empower our youth with skills and values that extend beyond the classroom," he said, stressing the importance of investing in the next generation for a brighter future. ■