Chinese artists donate learning materials, sports kit to Kenyan school
Xinhua
1522521096000

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Moi Avenue Primary School pupils and Chinese artists and entrepreneurs pose for a group photo during a donation ceremony in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, March 29, 2018.  (Photo: Xinhua/Charles Onyango)

A group of Chinese visual artists and entrepreneurs has donated learning materials and sports kit worth about 80,000 U.S. dollars to a public school in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

The Chinese artists who are in Kenya to strengthen cultural ties with the East African nation in line with the Belt and Road Initiative said the donation of stationery and football kits would boost performance of young learners.

Zhu Guizhou, head of the delegation, said that philanthropic activities by the Chinese artistic community were aimed at building trust with long-standing allies like Kenya.

"We are willing to put more efforts to improve the lives of Kenyan children and today's donation of books, soccer balls, bags and painting materials will enhance realization of that goal," said Zhu.

He revealed that plans to donate learning materials to additional Kenyan public schools were also expected to strengthen cultural diplomacy with the country.

More than twenty practicing Chinese visual artists, scholars and entrepreneurs donated the learning and sporting equipment to Nairobi's Moi Avenue Primary School that has an estimated 600 pupils from low and middle income brackets.

Liu Qitong, an arts scholar and entrepreneur, said they were keen to extend a helping hand to enable Kenyan school children to improve their academic performance.

"Our desire is to help you realize your dreams and contribute to your country's development. We would also be keen to improve your learning environment in line with the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative," Liu told the students.

Ruth Chirchir, headmistress of Moi Avenue Primary School, applauded Chinese artists for their donation, saying it would boost the morale of young learners.

"The donation is ultimately going to have a positive impact on pupils as they prepare for the end of term examinations. It will boost their academic performance and social skills," said Chirchir.

Young learners too said they were impressed by the stationery and sporting kits donated by Chinese artists and pledged to work harder and improve on their grades.

Njoroge Macharia, a 12-year-old class seven pupil, said he liked the gift of a new bag and stationery.