HARARE, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese business community in Zimbabwe on Sunday donated a batch of daily necessities to disabled children in Epworth, a community southeast of Harare, Zimbabwe's capital.
Song Zhuolin, chairman of the Hunan Business Association in Zimbabwe (HBAZ), said the donation, part of the Chinese business community's corporate social responsibility efforts, symbolizes the long-term friendship between China and Zimbabwe.
"We have to do our social responsibility to help the group that we think deserves and also needs extra attention and care," Song said.
To support the children's educational needs, the HBAZ also donated a classroom block.
Epworth residents welcomed the kind gesture by the HBAZ, saying the donations would uplift the well-being of the community.
Civilised Bushe, member of the local authority for ward six in Epworth, expressed gratitude to the HBAZ for supporting the community's development.
"I am very happy with the donation, with our Christmas party, which is being given to those guys who are disabled, and I am very happy with the block we have received. It is the first time in my ward," said Bushe.
Patience Mikana, a mother of a disabled child who benefited from the donation, extended her thanks to the Chinese business community for the support to children's education.
"Now we can leave our children at the school so that we can focus on our jobs. We grow vegetables, and while teachers take care of our children at school, we can sell our produce to earn a living," she said.
Mikana also expressed gratitude to the 22nd batch of the Chinese medical team in Zimbabwe, which provided free medical care to the disabled children and the community during the event.
Zheng Xingyou, head of the team, said the event brings together China and Zimbabwe toward the common goal of a healthy society.
"I think this creates a more direct and tangible interaction between the Chinese and Zimbabwean people, which I believe can enhance the friendly relations between China and Zimbabwe. I think this is very worthwhile, and we will continue to do similar activities in the future," he said. ■