China-Africa youth find common ground

Having studied in China since 2019, Nwachukwu believes youth exchanges should go beyond business and other formal activities, giving young people opportunities to experience everyday life in one another's countries.

The Changsha trip also brought together young people from different countries who might otherwise never have met.

Sanogo recalled exchanging stories about languages, traditions and student life with fellow participants during meals and cultural visits.

Listening to their experiences broadened her perspective and encouraged her to reflect on her future in environmental science.

"These interactions teach us active listening, empathy and open-mindedness," she said.

Sanogo believes friendships formed through such encounters can become a source of mutual encouragement and growth.

For Sesay, the three-day visit left her eager to discover more about Changsha and its people.

She hopes to return someday, perhaps on her own, to explore the city more deeply.

guojiatong@i21st.cn