Eleven (11) Ghanaian pupils who visited China on a week-long cultural exchange programme that took them to Beijing, Nanjing and Bengbu have arrived back in Accra.

The pupils were winners of the Whats YourThing competition in which they had to share what their dreams are.

They visited popular Chinese tourist attraction sites such as Tian An Men Square, the Summer Palace, Bengbu Historical Museum, Nanjing Presidential Palace, the Forbidden City and the Imperial Palace. Also visited were the Birds Nest Olympic Stadium, Royal Cuisine Museum and Longzihu Cultural Park.

Entries for selection and participation in the cultural exchange programme was open to children between the ages of 12-17 years.

The programme was hosted by the China-Asia Economic Association, Anhui Tian Chen Cultural Development Limited Corporation and the Ghanaian Embassy in China with the collaboration of Stanbic Bank Ghana. It had the support of the John Agyekum Kufuor and Rebecca Foundations.

Speaking to the cultural ambassadors on their arrival in China, the Ghanaian ambassador to China His Excellency Edward Boateng said: “People to people exchange forms the core of the vision of President Akufo-Addo and the Chinese leadership. It is very important that our children are exposed to different cultures at an earlier age.”

One of the cultural ambassadors, Angela Kissi of Maamobi cluster of schools could not hide her excitement and thanked Stanbic bank for making her Beijing dream a reality.

“This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I never imagined myself at the airport, let alone in a flying plane. I learnt a lot about the history and culture of the Chinese people. Stanbic Bank, words cannot describe how I feel but I know God will keep blessing the Stanbic brand”, she said.

The cultural ambassadors are from Ghana International School, Accra; Police C and D Basic School, Airport, Accra; New Oxford International School, Kumasi and Alpha Beta Christian College, Accra.

The rest of the schools are Ocanseykope District Authority Basic School, Ada Foah; Mary Mother of Good Counsel, Accra; Maamobi Cluster of Basic Schools; and Calvary Preparatory School, Teshie.

Mawuko Afadzinu, Head of Marketing and Communication at Stanbic Bank said “We are glad that we help these children to live their dreams. This cultural exchange project has provided a perfect opportunity to extend our CSI strategy on promoting education. We are more than just a bank and whatever your thing is, Stanbic Bank is here to support you to make it come true.”

Stanbic Bank Ghana, a member of the Standard Bank Group is committed to the growth of the African continent. With a clear focus on education as a core of its corporate social investments, Stanbic Bank continues to support educational initiatives in Ghana.