Building local connections through Chinese language and culture outreach visits in Milton Keynes

This spring, the Online Confucius Institute (OCI) at The Open University was delighted to continue its programme of outreach and engagement with schools and education groups across the Milton Keynes area, delivering a series of lively, hands‑on sessions celebrating Chinese culture and traditions.

On 8 May 2026, the Confucius Institute worked in partnership with the Bedfordshire Home Education group, a local home education organisation in Milton Keynes, to deliver a vibrant Chinese traditional culture showcase. The session was attended by 14 home‑educated students of various ages, alongside a number of parents, and offered an engaging and welcoming introduction to everyday Chinese customs and festivals.

The highly interactive event focused on traditional Chinese festivals, including the Chinese Spring Festival. Participants practised using chopsticks, learned to make traditional Chinese knots, and took part in cultural quizzes, hands‑on activities and timed competitions, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere throughout. During the practical session, children wrote the Chinese character “福” (fortune) on ping‑pong balls, decorated them with their own designs, and attached them to their handmade Chinese knots, transforming them into unique keepsakes. The event concluded with participants exchanging their creations, bringing the creative journey of cultural discovery to a joyful close. Both children and parents spoke very positively about the session and expressed a strong wish to take part in similar activities in the future.

Alongside this work with the home education community, the OCI also delivered further outreach in local primary schools. The OCI ran workshops for 64 Year 4 pupils at Monkston Primary School on 12 February, followed by 60 Year 5 pupils at Willen Primary School on 11^th March.  Pupils were a credit to their schools, engaging fully in the sessions, learning about Chinese New Year traditions, and creating gifts to exchange with their classmates. These visits provided a lively introduction to Chinese language and culture, while encouraging curiosity, creativity and cultural understanding.

The Online Confucius Institute is delighted to be building strong connections and partnerships within the local Milton Keynes community and looks forward to continuing this work through future visits and collaborations.