In the new era of communication between China and Africa, young people are growing into navigators connecting the two major civilizations. Whether it's striving and galloping on the competition field, resonating and exchanging ideas on the creative field, or collaborating and advancing in technical workshops, young people from China and Africa are constantly deepening their mutual recognition through real and vivid interactions, and exploring vibrant new paths for China Africa cooperation. Before the dawn light arrives, Chinese marathon runner He Jie is already running on the red soil plateau in East Africa. He has been coming to Kenya for three consecutive years to train in Eldoret, known as the "hometown of long-distance running". This highland adjacent to the equator is a natural training ground that attracts long-distance running world champions. What impressed this Chinese men's marathon record holder even more was the strong running atmosphere in the area - "almost every village has young people running". He Jie usually follows high-level trainers to break through limits, and also engages in silent competitions with top running teams and runners in Africa during training. Their goal is very clear - to improve their families and lives. No need for others to urge training, but to strive and fight on your own. ”The unwavering focus of his African peers inspires He Jie to go further, and his indomitable spirit is also reflected in his achievements. In the 2024 Wuxi Marathon in China, He Jie ran 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 57 seconds, leading the Chinese men's marathon into the "206" era. In November 2025, he won the championship again with a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 7 seconds, securing the first gold medal in the summer event of the National Games for his hometown Ningxia in 38 years. The running figure of He Jie reflects the deepening and solidification of sports exchanges between China and Africa. Young athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts from Central Africa actively learn from each other. The 4th Youth Olympic Games will be held in Dakar, the capital of Senegal in 2026, with martial arts becoming an official competition event for the first time. Senegalese coach Osman Sako traveled thousands of miles to China to participate in the International Martial Arts Federation martial arts routine coach training course, accumulating experience in cultivating domestic athletes. In the West African country of Benin, 26 year old Sherif Dean followed his master Damian Agosu Degbo to practice diligently. Chinese martial arts have changed my life, teaching me to be calm, focused, and resilient. This is not just a skill, but also a wisdom, "Dean said. In May 2025, nearly 500 young people from 66 countries and regions will participate in the "the Belt and Road" Youth Sports Exchange Week in Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province. Mutai Ronald Kipusan, an overseas student from Kenya, said: "The joint construction of the the Belt and Road initiative not only promotes economic cooperation, but also builds a bridge in cultural exchanges, helping us cross borders and enhance understanding and trust! ”Alfred Ora, an undergraduate student at Moi University in Kenya, said. The performance of the second "Rong Rong" China Kenya Cultural and Creative Art Joint Design Competition allowed him to unexpectedly meet Ye Keke, a graduate student at Donghua University in China. This competition is inspired by African youth and created by Chinese young designers. It is another platform for the cooperation between the two schools to promote exchanges in the field of textile and clothing between China and Kenya. The pink long down jacket displayed by Ora is inspired by Marseille shields and spears. Ye Keke also incorporated her experience as a volunteer at the Confucius Institute: the African totem on her clothes was inspired by photos of handicrafts provided by local students, and the black cat image was inspired by her daily life in Kenya. In Ola's eyes, the younger generation in Central Africa is open-minded and brave enough to break through boundaries. In just a few days of rehearsal, he not only saw the potential of Chinese designers and their adherence to cultural roots, but also felt their open attitude of actively embracing another culture. I have never been to China, but now I feel like the world is like a small village where we share the same values and beliefs. Since the first Confucius Institute in Africa was unveiled at the University of Nairobi in Kenya in 2005, the seeds of Chinese education have been taking root on the African continent. According to the China International Chinese Education Foundation, Confucius Institutes have been established in about 45 countries in Africa, and Confucius Classrooms cover about 20 countries. Ye Keke and other young volunteers use language as a starting point and culture to build bridges of understanding. As an African country with the largest number of Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms, South Africa has a wide range of language, calligraphy, martial arts and other courses. Cultural activities such as the "International Chinese Day", the Loong Boat Festival, and the Chinese song singing contest are colorful. The "Chinese+Traditional Chinese Medicine" training model of the Confucius Institute at the Western Cape University in South Africa has begun to take shape. Every year, the school sends 10-20 students majoring in Chinese medicine and acupuncture and moxibustion to China's universities of Chinese medicine for exchange and practice. By cultivating more African talents who understand China, it will provide more opportunities for cultural exchanges between China and Africa, promote the deepening of China Africa relations, and promote the construction of a high-level China Africa community with a shared future, "said Wu Changhong, the foreign dean of the Confucius Institute at the Western Cape University. Skills such as ladder competition, fashion shows, and skill training... Rich and diverse cultural exchanges are quietly narrowing the spiritual distance between Chinese and African youth, and paving a path for mutual growth and progress. With an interest in engineering, Kenyan youth Jamlek Kariuki applied for a cooperative training program between Beijing Jiaotong University and China Road and Bridge Engineering Co., Ltd. after graduating from high school. I have seen many items printed with 'Made in China' since I was young, and large-scale projects undertaken by Chinese companies can be seen everywhere in Kenya, which made me curious about China, "he recalled. In 2017, Kariuki embarked on a journey to study in China. The teacher's earnest guidance and perfect experimental conditions have greatly benefited Kariuki. Chinese universities have fast learning progress and high requirements, which urge me to work harder. After graduation, Kariwuki returned to his hometown and worked as a track inspector on the standard gauge railway from Mombasa to Nairobi. This is the first railway built in Kenya since its independence. It is also a modern railway built with Chinese standards, Chinese technology and Chinese equipment. It is a landmark project of the "the Belt and Road" jointly built by China and Kenya. After two years of work, Kaliuji returned to China for further study, focusing on subgrade engineering research, just on the tenth anniversary of the proposal of jointly building the "the Belt and Road". I hope to bring back what I have learned in China to my motherland and work together with my compatriots to help build the country, "said Kariuki. Since the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation in 2024, China and Africa have steadily promoted the "People to People and Cultural Exchange Partnership Action", continued to make efforts in the field of vocational education, and provided a stage for African youth to pursue their dreams. At the 10th Africa Vocational Skills Challenge, which will end in September 2025, 142 participating teams from 12 countries will compete in events such as CNC machining and CAD mechanical design. Six outstanding individuals will receive scholarships to study in China. This competition has benefited over 1300 African youth, many of whom are actively involved in the industrialization process in Africa. Mbada Olga, a third year female student from Cameroon who is participating for the first time, has a dream of becoming a farmer and looks forward to pursuing a career in agricultural machinery manufacturing in the future. The competition has broadened my horizons, allowed me to see more possibilities, and given me the courage to pursue higher goals. With the arrival of the "China Africa Cultural Exchange Year" in 2026, this cross mountain youth relay will surely gather stronger momentum and paint a new picture together. (New Society)