The 2024 Open Day of the Taiwan Centre for Mandarin Learning in Ireland (TCML) was a blast. Sponsored by the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), it went down on January 29th at TCML's new classrooms in the Alliance Française Dublin.

Coinciding with the Lunar New Year, the event was more than just an open day—it was a cultural fiesta. Evan Furlong, the OCAC advisor and Director of TCML Ireland, gave a shoutout to the OCAC, the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland (TRO), and the board of the Dublin School of Mandarin Chinese for having her back. Thanks to their support, TCML Ireland is on a roll.

Be located in a sweet spot in Dublin, between Trinity College and the Dáil Éireann, TCML is embracing its new digs. Big thanks to the Alliance Française for letting them use the classrooms. Fingers crossed that this more centralised location pulls in even more students.

With the Lunar New Year vibes in full swing, the center hosted workshops on Spring Couplet calligraphy and firecracker crafting. They got creative with recycled red envelopes, turning them into stunning firecracker decorations. It's not just craft time; it's a symbolic gesture—time to kick negative energy to the curb and welcome good luck for the year of the dragon.

Director Furlong took the stage to introduce TCML Ireland and the courses they offer, quick and effective way to learn 30 Chinese characters, spiced things up with quizzes, and left everyone impressed. To add a taste of Taiwan, there was Taiwanese tea and bites for everyone to savour. The whole event wrapped up in the spirit of the New Year, leaving everyone buzzing with festive cheer.