The Chinese Consul in Douala led the team that offered food items and stationery to children in PK 14 and Japoma, Douala, recently.

The long-standing bilateral relationship between Cameroon and the People’s Republic of China has gone beyond business. Not only do the over 2,000 Chinese resident in Douala cohabit peacefully with Cameroonians, but their show of solidarity to Cameroonians in need is telling of the bond that exists between both countries.

Led by the Chinese Consul in Douala, Zhang Daxing, some six Chinese associations, including the President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Cameroon, Wang Yong Ming, braved the PK 14 bad roads to extend a hand of fellowship to 54 orphans and vulnerable kids of the “Synergie Fraternité des Orphelins et Enfant Vulnérables,” SYFOEV and the Japoma-based orphanage, “Maison d’accueil et de sécurisation des enfants en détresse,” MESED.

Sacks of flour and rice, cartons of vegetable oil and sugar, mineral water, gas plates, plastic chairs, footwear, detergents, a television set and stationery worth millions of FCFA, were handed over to owners of the two orphanages. At the sight of the much-needed items, the orphans chanted songs of gratitude and called on the Almighty to replenish the source of the income.

Just like the owner of MASED, that of SYFOEV, Yaga Solange, was grateful for being among the 50 orphanages recognised in the region. Both orphanages expressed their day-to-day challenges, ranging from nutrition, education and health. And like Oliver Twist, they appealed to the Chinese to help construct a befitting home for the ever increasing number of orphans as land is available.

The Chinese Consul, Zhang Daxing, said their aim was to thank locals and government for assisting Chinese people and also contribute to the wellbeing of the children since they are the future leaders of Cameroon.

Around to support the Chinese community during the events was the official for Social and Economic Affairs Chief in the Littoral Governor’s Office, Yara Sam Vam, who enjoined the orphanage owners to use the donation judiciously.