In the days leading up to Children’s Day 2023, the yard of the Bethanie Orphanage in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, was filled with medical and daily supplies sent by the Chinese Embassy.
Over the past decade, the center has been frequently visited by the Chinese embassy and Chinese companies in the Republic of Congo. Octavie Bopenda, head of Bethania Orphanage, recalled the visit of Professor Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, in 2013.
The scenes from that day are still vividly before us,” Bopenda said.
Bethanie Orphanage currently cares for dozens of children between the ages of 1 and 16, including those with AIDS and disabilities.
“Children grow up with love and care from both countries,” Bpenda added.
China’s enduring warmth and support continues to this day, proving the strong friendship between China and African countries.
Peng, who serves as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS and is UNESCO’s Special Envoy for the Development of Girls’ and Women’s Education, stressed that the event is proof of the strong bond between China and Africa. .
During the event, Peng and the children visited displays of traditional Chinese culture and heard touching stories from representatives of the Chinese medical aid team in Africa. They were also looking forward to the children’s singing and dancing.
Children at the camp representing countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Somalia, Uganda and the Central African Republic, as well as regions in China, expressed their gratitude to Peng for her continued care.
In June 2023, Peng launched a health initiative called “Warming Children’s Hearts: Joint Action between China and Africa” together with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development.
The aim of the initiative is to support African orphans through various activities, including health screenings, free clinics and donations at local orphanages. Peng expressed her hope that this health campaign will bring warmth and care to African children, improve their health and well-being, and help build a China-Africa community with a shared future.
Chinese embassies and medical teams in African countries actively participated in the initiative by visiting local orphanages and related institutions, conducting free medical examinations and distributing care packages to children.
In December of the same year, the 15th group of the Chinese medical team at the Acupuncture Department of Katutura State Hospital in Windhoek, Namibia donated stationery and gifts to the SOS Children’s Village.
“The initiative embodies the unity and cooperative efforts between Africa and China and is a testament to our enduring friendship,” said Antoinette Sassou-N’Guesso, wife of Denise Sassou N’Guesso, President of the Republic of Congo.
“Africa and China have always supported each other, with China consistently stepping forward whenever Africa needs help. This friendship will continue to benefit both Africans and Chinese,” she added.
