ZIMBABWE and China have maintained solid relations in many sectors by keeping the values of respect for one another, a Chinese envoy has said.
Speaking yesterday in Chitungwiza during the handover of chickens to a local organisation, Teen Rescue Mission (TRM), Chinese ambassador Zhou Ding said his country was committed to the well-being of Zimbabwean youth.
“The friendship between our two countries has stood the test of time. Our cooperation extends far beyond economic and political spheres, social welfare, education, and cultural exchange are integral parts of our bilateral relations.
“China has always been a strong supporter of Zimbabwe’s youth cause. I am so proud that our partnership with the government, local communities and civil societies like the TRM is creating an inclusive and compassionate environment for Zimbabwean youth.
“China has not only lent a hand to Zimbabwe built projects like airports, power stations, stadiums, but also schools, hospitals, boreholes to benefit communities and the well-being of the youth.
“In the last three years, China has also provided around 100 governmental scholarships to Zimbabwean students and hundreds of short term training opportunities to young Zimbabweans.
“The Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe, through providing Chinese language teaching and culture exchanges, is supporting Zimbabwean students to enrich themselves and strengthen their competitiveness in career development,” Zhou said.
He added that the Chinese embassy would continue to work with local partners to foster youth empowerment.
“Youth is the hope of a nation and in pursuit of a brighter future for Zimbabwean youth, the Chinese embassy has launched a series of charitable initiatives titled Hope Harbour this year. I am very proud to see the TRM chicken project in Chitungwiza is making positive effects and bringing hope to the youth here.
“In the near future, you will assume the responsibilities of adulthood and contribute more to your country and people. We are always here to support you, to cheer you on, and to celebrate your achievements. “The causes you take on and the impact you create will change the community, the country, and eventually the whole world.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that youths are nurtured, educated, and empowered to realise their dreams,’’ he said.
On his part, TRM director Abraham Matuka said the donation would go a long way in eradicating drug and substance abuse in the country.
“We believe that this donation will go a long way in empowering the young people, the chicken layers, the young people are the ones who are going to be mainly the ones running the project.
This will give them the skill and the ability that they will understand that they can even survive through projects of this kind.
“We are so grateful because this project is going to give us a mileage of taking youth out of idleness,” he said.