Leaders have been busy with bilateral meetings over the weekend
and for a group of African children living in Beijing it was no
different.
More than 30 children from 22 mostly African countries gathered
together yesterday at the Beizhan Theatre to share their feelings
of being a united global family with their international
audience.
"It's so good to have the opportunity to sing of our friendship
here," said 15-year-old Michelle Pango from Angola, who is studying
at Pakistan Embassy College in the capital.
"I have many good Chinese friends," said Pango. "We talk about
our cultures. I have heard many things I have never seen in my
country from my friends such as the dragon. China is really a big
and beautiful country."
Musonda T. Banda, a 15-year-old Zambian girl, who is Pango's
classmate applied to join the chorus as soon as she heard the news.
"I have so many friends from various countries in my school. I want
to sing with them for the common hope of a brighter future," said
Banda.
According to Shueran Sarwar, a teacher from the college, many
more children applied to join the chorus when they knew the theme
of their performance. "Living in the international community they
keenly understand the meaning of friendship between all countries,"
said Sarwar.
"It is a motto in my college that all human beings should live
together in a friendly way, make friends and show our mutual
affection," Sarwar added.
Twenty wives of African leaders and hundreds of visitors who
came for the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation watched the
performance together with Liu Yongqing, wife of Chinese President
Hu Jintao.
Besides the impressive song by the children a performance by the
Chinese Disabled People's Art Troupe also won warm applause from
the audience.
"It's so fantastic. They must have practiced a lot to perform so
well. I respect them for their professionalism and perseverance,"
said Madam Lucy Kibaki, wife of Kenya President Mwai Kibaki.
Muhuammad Raja, press and culture counsellor for the Pakistan
Embassy in China, said it was one of the best performances he had
seen. "I really appreciate the Chinese leadership who take good
care of them," said Raja.
More than 100 artists from the disabled art group either
visually or hearing impaired danced and played in perfect time.
"I know today that we are performing for friends from African
countries who have helped China much in international affairs. I
have practiced many times and I am confident that all my colleagues
showed their best to our African friends," said Mao Di, 24-year-old
violinist with the troupe.
(China Daily November 6, 2006)