Leemisa Thuseho
THE “Warm Children’s Hearts: A China-Africa Joint Action” initiative yesterday brought smiles to the faces of orphans and underprivileged children by handing them various donations at an event at Victory Hall in Maseru.
“Warm Children’s Hearts: A China-Africa Joint Action” is an initiative by Professor Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, together with the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
The initiative is aimed at conveying warmth and care to African orphans and underprivileged children on International Children’s Day which is commemorated on 1 June annually.
Yesterday’s event saw 150 Basotho children from various care facilities in Maseru receiving “love-packages” that included hygiene products, blankets, sanitary pads, stationery as well as sporting equipment valued at M160,000.
At the same event the Chinese Medical Team in Lesotho also conducted medical examinations and provided necessary medications for the children afterwards.
Speaking at the event the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Lesotho, Lei Kezhong, said the Chinese government cared “very much about the development of African women and children”.
Therefore, he believed the donations would enable the children to have a comfortable winter. It was important to show the children that they were loved and cared for.
“I ho the love parcels from us will enable the beloved boys and girls to have a comfortable winter season and remind them that we care about them,” Ambassador Kezhong said.
He also said Lesotho was one of the African countries that had continuously enjoyed medical support from China since 1997.
“China sent its first medical team to Lesotho in 1997. To date, more than 180 doctors from China’s Hubei Province have come to work in Lesotho at the Motebang Hospital in Leribe.”
He said Lesotho and China were friends and vowed China would continue to help the Kingdom and other African countries for their economic and social development.
For his part Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports, Arts Culture and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, said they were appreciative of the initiative as it contributed towards the protection and welfare of children.
“We highly appreciate the donations as they shall contribute towards the protection and welfare of the children especially now when we are facing a cold winter season,” Mr Lesaoana said.
“I urge you the children and caretakers, to use these donations accordingly.”
He was happy that some of the donated items were produced locally, ensuring support for local businesses.
Also present at the event were the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoane, and the President of the Senate, ‘Mamonaheng Mokitimi.
Speaking on behalf of the care facilities that received the donations, ‘Mamatekane Rathebe, from the Margaret Mary Centre, said the gifts meant a lot to them and the children.
“We are very thankful for the donations and welcome them with warm hearts,” Ms Rathebe said.
“This means a lot to us as well as the children. They (donations) are going to bring a very significant change in the day to days lives of the children. We would be happy to get this kind of assistance in future.”
