China-Africa initiative to benefit orphans hailed

TANZANIA has expressed commitment to support the ‘Warm Children’s Hearts’ initiative which is the China-Africa joint action to promote the well-being of orphans.

The initiative intends to introduce a special fund which will facilitate the noble course, so as to reach out to all facilities across the country.

It was initiated by the First Lady of the People’s Republic of China, Prof  Peng Liyuan, together with the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), on the occasion of International Children’s Day.

Community Development, Gender, Women and Special groups Minister Dr Dorothy Gwajima expressed the commitment during an event to donate various items and conduct voluntary health clinic to the children at Ijango Zaidia Orphanage under the initiative in Dar es Salaam, on Sunday.

Dr Gwajima noted that the ministry will support the vision of the first ladies by making possible the establishment of the special fund which will manage and coordinate the assistance to reach all facilities in the country.

“This initiative will create a new spirit as it backs President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s move to establish a ministry which deals with vulnerable groups including children.

“We are going to enlarge this vision to ensure that all orphanages in the country are being touched by ensuring that the programme is linked with all facilities scattered across the country,” said Dr Gwajima.

Dr Gwajima also spoke on behalf of Zanzibar First Lady Mariam Mwinyi who was the guest of honour at the event, indicating that the aim of this initiative was to help the unprivileged children in Africa to have a better future.

“Tanzania welcomes the initiative and will support it, as it cares for orphans in African countries as well as bring new impetus to the African countries’ efforts in helping its children to fulfill their dreams despite the limitations that might be posed by various circumstances,” stated Mama Mariam.

She called upon more stakeholders in Tanzania to join hands in providing care to the orphans who are believed to take part in contributing to the national development for the benefit of the country’s economy.

For her part, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian noted that Prof Peng has long cared about the cause of health in Africa and highly appreciated Tanzania’s efforts in the development of women and children.

“As a close friend of Tanzania, the Chinese government and people have always cared about Tanzania’s women, children and other socially vulnerable groups. Chinese embassy has donated lots of supplies to many regions in Tanzania, including computers, radios, bicycles, sewing machines, sweaters, blankets, children’s school supplies, etc, trying to help impoverished women and children in Tanzania live a better life in all aspects.”

The Manager of Ijango Zaidia Orphanage Ms Zaidia Hassan, appreciated the government of China for the support.

Ms Hassan disclosed that from providing homage to five children in 2011, the orphanage currently shelters 51 children who are in primary and secondary education.

“Among our success is connecting 80 children with their families and ensuring that our children acquire necessary training skills to be independent after the age of 18 years,” she said.

According to her, the centre faces some challenges including a worn-out ceiling at the centre, whereby Dr Gwajima pledged to offer support in painting the orphanage after an assessment has been done.