China calls for support for orphanage centres

The embassy of China has called for unity to support the vulnerable children especially those living at the orphanage centres across the country.

Ambassador Hua Ning (pictured) said supporting children at the orphanages should be a collective responsibility from everybody especially in the areas of education, health, and provision of basic needs.

“We all know the difficulties the orphanage homes are facing. The contribution to these homes requires collective responsibility. We are going to make a double effort and call on others to join hands as peace prevails to support these children,” Ning said.

He was speaking during the handing over of Christmas gifts by China’s medical team to Juba Orphanage Home yesterday.

“We shall continue to support education and the health system. Our help can be small but will make something bigger in the future. We should continue working together to improve the lives of children in society,” Ning stressed.

He revealed that it was not the first time the Chinese medical teams and their embassy in Juba had provided support to children. He said the embassy was aware of the many challenges facing the orphanage.

Among the non-food items donated included bags of maize flour, rice, jerricans of cooking oil, shoes, clothes for the children, and medical supplies.

Angelo Kenyi William, Director of Juba Orphanage Home, said the children’s home is struggling to pay for school fees, scholastic materials, and medication.

He stated that the Chinese team’s contribution has helped to close some of the gaps in food and basic needs.

“We have a problem with the treatment because when a doctor prescribes the drugs for these children, we have to go and buy them from the market and [we] find that it is very costly for us,” he said.

“We have an issue with the water shortage because we are using government water and sometimes if the water does not come; we have to go and look for it,”  Angelo stressed.

In June 2021, the Chinese government through its embassy in Juba promised to improve the development of Central Equatoria State in the sectors of roads, health, and education.

Amb. Ning said the government of China was committed to supporting the infrastructural sector through its development cooperation.

 He said education, health care and road network across the state will improve to provide the socio-economic development of this country, particularly Central Equatoria State.

The diplomat promised to roll out some comprehensive programs on small-scale businesses to empower the local population and capacity building on various aspects.