Children look around in the newly opened China House donated by Chinese community, at Baphumelele Orphanage, Cape Town, South Africa, on June 1st, 2015. (People’s Daily Online / Sissy Zhang)
Cape Town, June 1 (People’s Daily Online) — China House for Baphumelele Orphanage is to open its doors for the underprivileged when the world is immersed in its joyous celebration of the International Children's Day.
On such a special occasion, the Chinese community in the name of South Africa Soong Ching Ling Foundation pride themselves in paying back to the local community by having built the China House to accommodate the orphans, at a cost of R2.2 million.
There are currently 3.9 million orphans in South Africa, which means 19.1% of South African children are orphans. “As a result, our country has a great need for places of safety and orphanages to care and protect our vulnerable children.” Connie Nxumalo, DDG for the Department of Social Development said at the handover ceremony. “True to the spirit of Children’s Day that seeks to initiate activities to benefit and support the welfare of children all over the world, the official opening of this orphanage honors the children of South Africa and demonstrates to them that their plight is acknowledged worldwide and that, specifically, in China we have a society that cares for the wellbeing of South African children.”
The China House for Baphumelele Orphanage, occupying 1, 000 square meters with nine rooms, will accommodate 18 young people between the age of 18 and 21, where they can live and learn new skills to prepare them for obtaining employment.
As a training center it will also provide educational workshops and vital social and psychological support from community-based organizations. This will be an essential stepping-stone for their future.
“Today, we leave a drop of love in the hearts of our children, and in the future they will return us with an ocean of love.” As Chinese Ambassador Tian Xuejun said, China House also serves to further strengthen orphans’ love and confidence for the country, the society and their lives. The completion of the House carries the deep friendship of the local Chinese community and friends from all walks of life, and provides a vivid annotation to the 2015 Year of China in South Africa.
