BEIJING:Young people from various countries within the African continent recently travelled to Beijing as part of the youth empowerment program known as the China-Africa Youth Exchange.
China Daily reported that,the youth participated in the China-Africa Youth Festival event that was held from the 19th to 26th May 2024.
The event was organized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and the provincial government of Zhejiang, it brought together six-four(64)young representatives from various African countries.
“During the trip, participants experienced traditional Chinese culture,engaged with Chinese government departments, took part in China-Africa youth dialogues and visited historical and cultural sites.One of their stops in Beijing was the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling in Xicheng district. Soong, a notable Chinese political figure and wife of Sun Yat-sen, a pioneer of China's democratic revolution, lived and worked there”, China Daily reported this week.
Mariama Bah from Sierra Leone, one of the African youth representatives, was among the group of young people from the African continent.She is the Station Manager of Rise Radio FM 96.3, a community service media organization that aims to amplify the voices of women, girls and young people on critical issues affecting them and promote human rights.
Mariama Bah says,she was inspired by Soong's dedication to the welfare of women and children and by the foundation's initiatives aimed at ensuring women's rights and youth health.
“We have to leave a legacy behind,” she said as quoted by China Daily.
The report further states that, Ahmed Hassan Wehlie, an online influencer from Somalia,says that their visit to the residence was enriched by young volunteers who shared anecdotes and lesser-known stories about Soong's life.
“We were deeply moved by their dedication and hospitality.Their enthusiasm made our visit informative and underscored the importance of preserving and sharing historical heritage,”he said.
African young people visit Beijing as part of China-Africa youth empowerment program.