With the sun setting over Lianyungang city in east China’s Jiangsu Province, Nexul walks through bustling streets, absorbing the sounds of a language she’s come to embrace. Just months ago, she was a bank employee in Tajikistan, but today, she’s a student on a mission to master Mandarin.
“I was inspired by the Belt and Road Initiative’s impact in Central Asia,” Nexul shares. “I realized that learning Chinese could open doors I never knew existed.”
The Belt and Road Initiative, a global development strategy involving infrastructure investments, has significantly influenced Central Asian countries like Tajikistan. For many young people like Nexul, it has sparked curiosity and ambition.
Leaving her stable job wasn’t an easy decision. “My family was surprised,” she admits. “But they understood that I wanted more from life. I wanted to see the world, and learning Mandarin felt like the first step.”
Now, immersed in a new culture and language, she’s building bridges between her homeland and China. “Every day is a new adventure,” she smiles. “I’m not just learning a language; I’m embracing a new way of life.”
For youths in the Global South, stories like Nexul’s highlight the possibilities that come with stepping out of comfort zones. “I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their dreams, no matter how big they seem,” she says.
