This photo shows the Confucius Institute of Kabul University in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 17, 2025. Driven by hopes for a prosperous future and deepening cultural ties, a growing number of Afghan youth are choosing to learn Chinese to seize new opportunities and strengthen bonds with neighboring China. [Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua]

KABUL, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Driven by hopes for a prosperous future and deepening cultural ties, a growing number of Afghan youth are choosing to learn Chinese to seize new opportunities and strengthen bonds with neighboring China.

Today, nearly every language institute in Kabul offers Chinese language classes, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, said Wasiq Musadiq, a sophomore student at Kabul University's Department of Chinese Language and Literature.

"Presently, each learning center has a Chinese language division, whether at the primary level or the advanced level of HSK 5 or HSK 6," Musadiq said while seated in a library dedicated to Chinese language materials on campus.

Afghanistan's Confucius Institute, also well-known as the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Kabul University, was established in 2008. Since then, it has provided opportunities for hundreds of Afghan youth to learn Chinese.

According to Wahidullah Halimy, the executive director of the Confucius Institute, the increasing demand is driven by the accessibility of scholarships in China, rising job opportunities, and investments from Chinese companies operating in Afghanistan.

"We currently have over 100 students enrolled in the Chinese language department at various levels," Halimy said. "Additionally, we offer Chinese courses at Nangarhar University in eastern Afghanistan and a private school in Kabul, with a combined enrollment of 140 students."

Halimy, who has been teaching Chinese since 2014, highlighted the Institute's role in fostering cultural exchanges and mutual understanding. "We promote cultural exchange through events such as the Chinese New Year, Confucius Institute Day, and Chinese Language Day, along with activities like paper cutting, Chinese calligraphy, and Chinese poetry readings."

Inspired by the dreams of a prosperous future and the array of promotions it could offer, some Afghan youth in this institute consider learning Chinese a crucial opportunity for themselves.

"Learning Chinese gives us the chance to pursue higher education in a prosperous country, engage with Chinese culture, and access a wider range of job prospects after graduation," said Murtaza Anwari, a student in the fourth semester of the department. 

A student reads a book at the library of the Confucius Institute of Kabul University in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 17, 2025. Driven by hopes for a prosperous future and deepening cultural ties, a growing number of Afghan youth are choosing to learn Chinese to seize new opportunities and strengthen bonds with neighboring China. [Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua]

Students take a Chinese language lesson at the Confucius Institute of Kabul University in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 17, 2025. Driven by hopes for a prosperous future and deepening cultural ties, a growing number of Afghan youth are choosing to learn Chinese to seize new opportunities and strengthen bonds with neighboring China.[Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua]