Consul General of China in Joburg, Pan Qingjiang at the donation ceremony at St Vincent School for the Deaf in Johannesburg.
Image: Supplied
Consul General of the China in Joburg, Pan Qingjiang has joined a year-end donation ceremony for needy learners at the St Vincent School for the Deaf in Johannesburg aimed at bringing festive season cheer to disadvantaged families.
An initiative spearheaded by the Gauteng Education Department (GED) Johannesburg’s east district director Shirley Molobi, the legacy project seeks to alleviate the burden on parents of the learners by providing support in terms of food supplies, stationery, uniforms and clothes to the children.
At the event, the Chinese veteran diplomat said he had also brought other Chinese entities which have been supporting the initiative.
“Last year, I, together with District Director Ms Shirley Molobi, witnessed the local Chinese community donating supplies to the schools in Johannesburg. Today, I join the event again and am delighted to announce that the Consulate donates 100 packages of daily necessities to the needy children. We hope it will help bring some warmth and comfort to children who are in need, and put a smile on their faces,” said Consul General Pan.
Gauteng Education Department (GED) Johannesburg’s east district director Shirley Molobi.
Image: Supplied
“I am grateful to the local Chinese community for their years of dedication to organizing charity events for the local students. Chinese Consulate General will work together with you to do more practical things for the local schools and communities. As the Chinese saying goes: a friend in need is a friend indeed.”
He said the repeated donation to local communities showcases the “sincere friendship” between the people of China and South Africa.
“We always believe we are living in a global village and we are one community with a shared future. We need to help each other and join hand in hand to build a better future,” he said.
“Dear learners, we believe that each of you is unique and valuable. We understand that your growth path has been more challenging due to the difficult financial situation. But rest assured that many people are silently taking care of your growth and are willing to provide help and support.”
Learners at St Vincent School for the Deaf in Joburg received festive season parcels.
Image: Supplied
Recounting the famous words of former president Nelson Mandela, Pan told the learners that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.
He said both China and South Africa attach great importance to education.
“We firmly believe education makes difference to the individuals, to the communities and to the nations. Young learners are the future and hope of the nation. We hope each and every one of you will value the school time and study hard, gaining strength physically, morally and in knowledge and capabilities, so as to become a responsible and useful person to your community, to your country, and to the global community of a shared future,” said Pan.
“I also encourage you to know more and better about China, and China-South Africa relationship, and become envoys in the future of carrying on China-South Africa friendship.”
Jessica Han, chief executive of Ocean Echo Properties and chairperson of the African Chinese Language Foundation also made a donation and took time interacted with the learners.
Jessica Han, chief executive of Ocean Echo Properties and chairperson of the African Chinese Language Foundation.
Image: Supplied
Shonisani Rambau Construction and Kate Monareng of Cardi Holdings also made a contributions to the children’s variety of parcels.
Other organisations including Pick n' Pay School Club and the Feed the Nation Foundation also handed out parcels for the learners.
In her words of appreciation, district director Shirley Molobi said the response to the annual programme has been overwhelming.
“When we made the call, we did not think we would get such a response. We are truly humbled as a district and we know now that we do have people out there who support our vision, and our mission,” she said.
Officials arranging the food parcels donated to learners at the St Vincent School for the Deaf in Johannesburg.
Image: Supplied
In August, as South Africa wraps the month-long Women’s Month commemorations, IOL reported that the University of Joburg’s Faculty of Humanities in conjunction with the Consulate General of China in Joburg held a prestigious event celebrating the role played by women in different societies.
At the UJ Women’s Month event, Consul General Pan told the gathering that he was establishing the Consul General's Award for female students with outstanding academic performance.
At the UJ event, students also received a donation of sanitary pads from the Consulate General of China in Joburg.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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