11 Dec 2017

Chinese community in Botswana on December 9 held its annual Christmas Charity day for SOS Children Village in Tlokweng.

The event, which was characterised by cultural exchange activities between Botswana and China as well as gift presentations, is in its fifth year running.

Ntlo ya Dikgosi chairperson, Kgosi Puso stated that the Christmas Charity day was in line with the national vision 2036, which highlights love, protection and support for children to grow into responsible citizens.

He said it was therefore the responsibility of all parents and the community to support children to grow into responsible citizens.

Kgosi Puso said the party put smiles on the faces of the children and added that the event was also in line with Chinese culture, which emphasises on friendship, solidarity, sharing and love.

He further commended the Chinese community living in Botswana for their role in uplifting the lives of the locals and added that the community was not only interested in doing business.

Kgosi Puso, who is also the chairperson of the Botswana-Chinese Friendship Association, added that the children are the future and asset of the nation, hence they need to be cared for and supported.

Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Dr Zhao Yanbo said Botswana and China as part of the global village shared common opportunities and challenges and the two countries chose to face them by enhancing communication and cooperation.

He aid since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Botswana 42 years ago, the two countries relationship had witnessed steady growth and cooperation across various areas.

He stated that the children are the future of any country and carry hopes and dreams to the next generations.

He applauded the Charity Association of Chinese in Botswana, Association of Chinese Women in Botswana and Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana for the event.

Charity Association of Chinese in Botswana chairperson, Mr Miles Nan said the event had been improving over the years, adding that it started as a charity event, but later encompassed the cultural exchange aspect.

He stated that their children played and interacted with Batswana children as well as learn to speak Setswana and there were also intermarriages between Batswana and the Chinese people here.

The national director of SOS Children’s Village, Mr Motshwari Kitso said the Chinese community in Botswana made the biggest group of foreign nationals assisting SOS.

 He therefore encouraged other nationals to assist, adding that the Chinese had adopted families and children at SOS. ENDS