3 days ago
Chinese medical team, peacekeepers donate essentials to orphans in South Sudan
NAIROBI, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The 12th batch of the Chinese medical team, in partnership with the 11th Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion in South Sudan, on Friday donated essential goods to orphaned children at the Confident Children out of Conflict (CCC) Orphanage.
The group donated milk powder, mosquito nets, maize flour, washing powder, books, school bags, soap, flip-flops, tables, and chairs, among other items.
Robert Bida Samson, executive director of the CCC, a charity organization, said support from the Chinese medical teams over the past years has helped ease the burden of taking care of these children.
"The Chinese medical teams have stood with the CCC, making sure that all the children receive medical services, screening them both here at the center and also in Juba Teaching Hospital when the sickness is too serious," Bida said during the donation ceremony in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The ceremony, held under the theme "One Sky One Dream," coincided with the celebration of the 100th visit of the Chinese medical team to orphanages in South Sudan.
Established in 2007, the center is home to orphans, abandoned children, and survivors of revenge attacks and gender-based violence.
Bida commended the regular visits by the Chinese medical team, noting that these are critical to their longstanding partnership, which has empowered many vulnerable children at the center.
"Some of these children are soon finishing school. I urge that through your empowerment, some of them could get employed at Juba Teaching Hospital to share responsibility with you," he said.
Gift Gibson Natana, deputy director general at Juba Teaching Hospital, commended the Chinese medical team for their dedication to providing medical services to orphans and communities in remote areas.
"These programs benefit tens of thousands of vulnerable people," Natana said.
The 12th batch of the Chinese medical team, prior to visiting the CCC, also visited Juba Orphanage and Rock City Orphanage.
Liu Hongyong, commander of the Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), expressed hope that the support provided to the children would empower them to realize their future dreams.
"We wish the children of the orphanage a joyful International Children's Day. May this contribution add color to their lives and wings to their dreams. May they grow up healthy and strong," Liu said.
Huo Ying, deputy chief of mission at the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan, expressed her gratitude to the Chinese medical team and the Chinese peacekeeping force for their contribution toward peace and development in South Sudan.
"These contributions made by the Chinese medical team have been a valuable legacy in bilateral friendship," Huo said.
She noted that the Chinese peacekeeping forces are participating in the UN peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, while the Chinese medical team is protecting the public health security of the South Sudanese.
Huo also commended the contributions of Chinese companies toward the development of South Sudan, stressing that the Chinese people will always be the friends of the South Sudanese people.
