The Chinese embassy and community on Friday donated stationery and food items to Harare’s Hossana Love Africa Children’s Home to celebrate the Internal Children’s Day and International Day of the African Child.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Lyu Renhong, wife of China’s ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding, said the donation showed the enduring relations between the two countries.
“China and Zimbabwe are more than partners, we are brothers and sisters in the pursuit of progress,” Lyu said.
“Decades ago, China was a nation grappling with poverty. Yet, through unity, hard work, and an unyielding spirit, we transformed our destiny.
“Today, as the world’s second-largest economy and a country that has eradicated absolute poverty, we stand as living proof that no challenge is insurmountable.
“Zimbabwe, too, is a land of extraordinary beauty, resilience, and untapped potential.”
She said the Chinese embassy and the Chinese community in Zimbabwe had always held a profound belief that they must “leave no one and no place behind.”
“This principle guides our efforts to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Zimbabwean people, particularly our young friends,” Lyu said.
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“Over the years, we have collaborated to build schools to nurture dreams, clinics to safeguard health, boreholes to quench thirst, and roads to connect opportunities.
“These projects are not mere infrastructure—they are bridges of hope, ensuring that every child, family, and community can thrive with dignity.”
She urged the children to dream big as they can defy their present circumstances to realise their dreams. Lyu said she identified with the children at the home because of her own humble beginnings, which did not limit her.
“I know life has not always been gentle with you. I understand because I have walked a similar path,” she said.
“Today, I am reminded of my humble beginnings in a small town in China, about 800 kilometers from Beijing.
“Growing up in a family of three siblings, I felt the weight of poverty and scarcity.
“Yet, my parents’ love and guidance instilled in me the determination to change my circumstances through my persistent efforts to make the best of education opportunities.
“I still vividly recall gazing up at planes soaring through the sky at the age of six or seven, making a silent promise to myself to one day explore the world beyond my hometown.”
She added: “The image of studying by candlelight on freezing winter days remains etched in my memory.
“Decades later that promise has led me here. I've had the privilege of traveling to beautiful Zimbabwe, learning from its kind-hearted people, and meeting you as a messenger of friendship.”
Lyu also cited the case of former child in care at the home who won the ‘Chinese Bridge’ competition, “speaking the Chinese language so well it made everyone cheer” as an example that the children can achieve their dreams.
She said others had earned Chinese government scholarships, enabling them to pursue their studies in China.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and China.
Hossana Love in Children’s Home, which was established in 2016, is supported by the Chinese embassy, the Chinese community and a charity organisation, Loving Moms.
International Children's Day is celebrated on June 1 and the International Day of the African Child on June 16.
