Jiangsu University (JU) have focused most attention on promoting internationalisation and cultural bridging between China and other nations recently. In view of this, JU in collaboration with Pearl S. Buck Memorial in Zhenjiang have set up a Cross-Cultural Education Centre. The Memorial is sited behind the former residence of Pearl S. Buck and characterised by historical remains and attractive concerns of Pearl S. Buck.

The inauguration ceremony which took place on June 8th, 2012 was attended by delegates like the vice president of JU, representatives from Pearl S. Buck International, the Consul- General of the General Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in Shanghai and representatives from the Foreign Affairs Division of Zhenjiang municipal government. Also among these delegates were professors and lecturers from JU, some international students as well as some Chinese students.

In the opening address, the vice president of JU Prof. Xu, expressed his sincere gratitude to all endeavours who played major role in making the project a success. He went further to commend Pearl S. Buck for her genuine and abiding love for China. In another development, the vice president of JU stressed on the fact that Pearl S. Buck was highly committed to promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding among nations. He therefore edged everyone to learn from the selfless life of Pearl S. Buck.

Notwithstanding these, Consul-General of the General Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in Shanghai also expressed his sincere gratitude to be part of the occasion. In his address he congratulated on JU for a good work done and appreciated the spectacular and great set-up by the university. He also stressed on the fact that, Pearl S. Buck always fought against discrimination and struggled for equal right for women and children. He concluded his speech by saying; ‘we should all take advantage of this cross-cultural bridging educational centre to learn more about Pearl S. Buck and her philosophies’.

Ms. Jennet Mintzer from Pearl s. Buck International who gave the last speech for the day also couldn’t hide her excitement about the pleasant work of JU. She was of the view that the Cross-cultural Education Centre will go a long way in assisting people to learn more about the entire life and history of Pearl S. Buck.

After all was said and done, the cross-cultural education centre at Pearl S. Buck Memorial was inaugurated by Prof. Xu, vice president of JU and Ms Xiaoxia Xu, president of Pearl S. Buck Research Society in Zhenjiang. It is therefore hoped that this centre will achieve its aim in promoting internationalisation through this cross-culture education centre.

By: Donkor Ebenezer Apeko