Chinese peacekeepers bring joy, solace to DRC orphans at SOS village

Chinese peacekeepers visit the SOS Children's Village in the city of Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) November 20, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

In its nearly 30 years of operations, the village has been running with difficulties as a charity, she said. Located on a remote hillside, it suffers from a chronic shortage of water and electricity. Moreover, frequent larceny by those displaced in regional conflicts presents an even worse challenge to the community, where there are only a total of three security personnel.

Doctor Zhang Jian, a psychologist of the Chinese peacekeeping mission, offered the children a show of Chinese calligraphy. To his amazement, a boy named Daniel learned to write down a Chinese motto: Study well and make progress every day, on the first attempt.

Yang Xia, an oculist, gave the children an eye examination. At first, they were full of curiosity and meekness, said Yang. But after a while, their faces lit up in a lively and joyous mood, holding my hands tightly, a scene reminding me of my four-year-old son back home.

With help from the SOS Children's Village and the Chinese peacekeeping mission, the living conditions of the children will be constantly improved, Yang said.

Cisika said that each year, the Chinese peacekeepers would pay more than four times of visits to the village, bringing along supplies and providing regular medical services.

More importantly, the Chinese peacekeepers introduced the children to the world of Chinese culture, broadening their scope of life and bringing about joy and solace, she said.

"Can I have a Chinese national flag?" asked the children as they extended their hands to the Chinese soldiers, who were concluding the visit and leaving.

The children may have yet to grasp what China is really like, but they are already showing signs of attachment to the Chinese peacekeepers, who are among the most familiar people other than their teachers.

With continuous help from the Chinese peacekeeping mission, the medical conditions of the Villages have been improved, said Cisika, adding that it is indeed fortunate for the more than 100 orphans living in the village.