The African Delegation from three countries Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana in a meeting with CAFIU Deputy Secretary General Mr. Liu Kaiyang and other CAFIU Staff in CAFIU Office in Beijing China March 22, 2016.
The Tanzania Delegation presents a gift to Dr. Xu Weizhong, Director of African Studies from China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations after presentation. From left are Mr. George Muntu, Mr. Fred Maiga, Ms. Philomena Marijani, Mr. Joseph Kahama and Catherine Mfinanga in Beijing China March 23, 2016
The Delegation participating in the presentations on : China and Africa Relations presented by Xu Weizhong, Director of African Studies from China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations and China Poverty Reduction Program and external assistance by Dr. Tan Weiping, Deputy Director of International Poverty Reduction Center in March 23, 2016 in Beijing China
The African delegation in a discussion with Prof. LIU Hongwu , Academic Leader and Director at Institute of African Studies Zhejiang Normal University during their visit to the University, March 27, 2016 at Zhejiang Province.
Tanzania Delegation took a memorial photo at the banner that shows the previous visit of the 3rd President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Benjamin Mkapa at Zhejiang Normal University. From left are Ms. Catherine Mfinanga, Ms. Philomena Marijani, Mr. Joseph Kahama and Mr. Fred Maiga.
The Heads of African Delegation Mr. Joseph Kahama from Tanzania and Puso Gaborone from Botswana handing over a gift on behalf from African Delegation to the Leader of Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. The gift was a table traditional cloth made from Tanzania in March 29, 2016 during their visit at Zhejiang Province.
The evaluation meeting of the program chaired by Wang Lin, CAFIU Director for Asian and African Affairs Divisions and Wang Xiaoyi, CAFIU Officer for Asian and African Affairs during the final day of the Program in March 30, 2016 at Hangzhou E-M Grand Hotel.
By Philomena Marijani, Advocacy and Communications Manager, WAMA Foundation
The Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) has called for collaboration between Chinese and African Non Governmental Organization (NGOs) so as to increase bilateral cooperation between China and Africa. The call was made by CAFIU Deputy Secretary General, Liu Kaiyang during the meeting that was held in CAFIU office in Beijing, China two weeks ago with African Delegation from three countries: Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana.
CAFIU invited the delegates from three African countries to discuss on how the Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from China and Africa can collaborate in supporting the development of the communities in respective countries. The program also aimed at creating awareness to the delegates from Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana on China recent development and discusses the ways of strengthening the cooperation between China and respective African countries. The program took place from March 21-30, 2016 in Beijing and Zhejiang, China.
Giving out their observations, the representatives from three countries explained the need for Chinese Social Organizations to work closely with the target communities and partner with local NGOs that include youths related NGOs, Scouts, and Girl Guide associations. They also proposed the Chinese Associations to work with media to increase visibility so as public can understand their activities hence enhance partnership.
Other observation made was on communication issue. It was agreed that it’s good the people from both parties to be encouraged to learn different languages. For example in Tanzania there are Confucius Institutes (the Chinese teaching and cultural transmission) at the University of Dar es Salaam, University of Dodoma and Zanzibar Journalism and Mass Media College. Also the Chinese Language has also been introduced in six schools in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Morogoro. Tanzanians who are interested to learn Chinese language can use these opportunities available. When people are skilled with different language it’s an easy path for easy collaboration in different sectors include business.
The delegates also had the opportunity to meet and have a discussion with Qi Xuchun, CAFIU Vice – President who is also Vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Addressing the delegates Mr. Qi Xuchun said China and Africa are brothers and it has been shown during the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meetings. He advised the delegates apart from learning from other countries they need to identify their own strategies and paths for development.
“Both China and Africa has a long history. Indeed, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania are very important part of China Foreign Policy. We will work together with African countries and stand ready for friendship and cooperation; for people to people and country to country” You need to have confidence, believe in yourself, in your people, your country. Find a road map that is peaceful and good to your country development.” Said Mr. Xuchun.
The African delegates had an opportunity to visit Zhejiang Province in which the G20 Summit will take place in September this year. The G20 Summit will take place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang- China in September 2016 and leaders from different countries in the world are expected to attend the summit. Zhejiang Province is situated in the coastal area in southeast China and borders Shangai on the North.
In Zhejiang Province the delegates had an opportunity to visit different places include: Municipal Government of Yiwu City; Met the Leader of Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Visited the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, the University has a great relationship with the Universities in Tanzania include University of Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. Most of the Tanzanians scholars had opportunities to be engaged in this university.
For people who are interested to know more about this university can visit their website: http://ias.zjnu.cn and http://iso.zjnu.edu.cn
Also the delegates visited the Suoyuan Village which is one of the top ten villages in Zhejiang Provinces. The village provides an opportunity for the students from 18 years and above as well as other people all over the world to learn about Chinese traditional and culture. The deadline for application is April 30, 2016. For more information about the village and application visit the website: http://jinhua-homestay.com/en/suoyuan.php
The program was a well organized and very beneficial to delegates from three countries Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana. It enhanced their knowledge about China and Africa relations and about the opportunities available for cooperation in different sectors to include education and business.
The delegates from Tanzania that were sponsored by CAFIU through the Embassy of China in Tanzania to attend the program were: (1) Mr. Joseph Kahama, Secretary General of Tanzania - China Friendship Promotion Association (The Head of Delegation from Tanzania); (2) Mr. Fred Maiga, Board Member of Tanzania - China Friendship Promotion Association; (3) Mr. George Muntu, a member of Tanzania - China Friendship Promotion Association; (4) Ms. Philomena Marijani, Advocacy and Communications Manager at WAMA Foundation and Ms. Catherine Mfinanga, Field Officer at WAMA Foundation.
Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) is a non- profit organization established in 1981 committed to enhance mutual understanding and friendly cooperation between China and other countries. CAFIU and its partners conduct its activities in form of exchange visits and study tours, organizing high level dialogues for domestic and overseas participants as well as supporting Chinese NGOs in international exchanges and poverty alleviation programs.
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