In the days leading up to Children’s Day in 2023, the yard of the Bethanie Orphanage in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo, was filled with medical and daily necessities sent by the Chinese embassy.
Over the past decade, the Chinese embassy and Chinese companies in the Republic of the Congo have frequently visited the center. Octavie Bopenda, head of the Bethanie Orphanage, recalled the visit by Professor Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, in 2013.
“On March 29, 2013, Professor Peng came to the center when President Xi and she visited the country. The scenes from that day still appear vividly before us,” Bopenda said.
The Bethanie Orphanage currently cares for dozens of children aged 1 to 16, including those with AIDS and disabilities. A 10-year-old child at the orphanage said, “So many Chinese people care about us and bring us what we need. I’m really thankful to them.”
“The children are growing up with love and care from both countries,” Bopenda added.
The enduring warmth and support from China persist to this day, demonstrating the strong friendship between China and African countries. On Friday, Peng attended the “Love in the Sunshine” summer camp in Beijing, which brought together children from China and Africa.
Peng, who serves as a World Health Organization (WHO) goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS and is a UNESCO special envoy for the advancement of girls’ and women’s education, highlighted the event as a testament to the strong bond between China and Africa.
In her speech, Peng highlighted the mutual understanding and support between Chinese and African people in their pursuit of happiness. She affirmed China’s commitment to the healthy growth of children from both countries and hoped the children attending the camp would continue to strengthen China-Africa friendship, becoming future builders of a China-Africa community with a shared future.
During the event, Peng and the children visited traditional Chinese culture displays and listened to touching stories from representatives of the Chinese medical aid team in Africa. They also enjoyed performances of singing and dancing by the children.
The children at the camp, representing countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Somalia, Uganda and the Central African Republic, as well as regions within China, expressed their gratitude to Peng for her ongoing care. They said they would make the most of their time, study diligently, and become messengers of China-Africa friendship.
Collaborative healthcare initiative supporting African children
In June 2023, Peng, together with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development, launched a healthcare initiative titled “Warm Children’s Hearts: a China-Africa Joint Action.”
The initiative aims to support African orphans through various activities, including health checkups, free clinics and donations at local orphanages. Peng expressed her hope that this healthcare campaign would 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 have actively participated in the initiative by visiting local orphanages and related institutions, conducting free medical check-ups and distributing care packages to the children.
Last year, in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, the Chinese embassy collaborated with the 22nd batch of the Chinese medical team to conduct health checks for around 100 orphans. In December of the same year, the 15th batch of the Chinese medical team at the acupuncture department of Katutura State Hospital in Windhoek, Namibia, donated stationery and gifts to SOS Children’s Village.
“The initiative embodies the unity and collaborative efforts between Africa and China and stands as a testament to our enduring friendship,” said Antoinette Sassou-N’Guesso, wife of Denis Sassou N’Guesso, the president of the Republic of the Congo.
“Africa and China have always supported each other, with China consistently stepping forward whenever Africa needs assistance. This friendship will continue to benefit both African and Chinese people,” she added.