daniel chigunwe
Walter Nyamukondiwa in Beijing, CHINA
CHISIPITE Senior School learner Hope Mafiko was among the teens who received awards at an arts exhibition in Beijing China, yesterday.
Mafiko received the Tainhe Award after China’s advanced aerospace programme staged the “My Dream” painting competition.
Recently, 10 paintings from children in Africa, including Zimbabwe were transported by the Shenzhou-16 spaceship and are now displayed at the China Space Station also known as the Tiangong Space Station.
The paintings are now part of the International Space Exhibition.
The winners, including Mafiko, were excited for receiving the recognition.
Zimbabwe’s Deputy Ambassador to China Mr Tamuka Muranga said the feat by Mafiko had helped to solidify relations with China and also inspire other youths to dream.
“We are proud of what Hope Mafiko has achieved given that she competed against 2 000 other teenagers from across Africa,” he said.
“This will go a long way in inspiring other children to appreciate that if they set their mind on anything, they can achieve it. We hope that she continues to put the country and her work on the international stage.”
A citation from a Taikonout on the Space Station said Mafiko’s painting showed youthful vigour and vitality which should be harnessed for the good of the people.
“I see from this painting the desire by African youths to improve the lives of people. In your introduction you said you wanted to be architect (interior) and you want people rich or poor to use the buildings you design. May your dream come true,” said the Taikonout.
Ambassador Wu Peng, Director General, the Department of African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China said youths were key in the strengthening of China-Africa cooperation.
“The My Dream competition is one of the unravelling good stories of China-Africa cooperation,” said Amb Wu Peng.
“China and Africa share the same history and as a country we are companions in pursuit of development. China is comprehensively pursuing development while Africa is moving towards achieving it’s objectives in Agenda 2063.”
China and Africa, he said, should walk hand in hand towards attainment of shared aspirations.
Already, he said, some African countries were benefitting from the satellite remote sensing and installation of satellites into orbit among other areas.
China has committed to capacitate Africa to also explore the universe leveraging on its advanced aerospace programme where it has a permanent manned module orbiting about 400km in space.
The station orbits around the earth about 16 times a day.
He said the Forum on China-africa Cooperation (Focac) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provide a platform and framework for enhanced cooperation and development.
Hope Mafiko said the My Dream painting competition had galvanised her resolve to pursue her dreams.
“I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity which has allowed me to visit China and receive my prize.
“I am so happy. My hope is that this win is one step closer to the realisation of my dream to become architect specialising in interior designs,” she said.
Taikonout or astronaut Mr Chen Dong who has been on two missions to the space station took time to field questions from enthusiastic youths from at least eight countries in Africa including Zimbabwe.
Mr Dong said the cooperation with Africa was starting point which could only grow to improve the lives to the combined 2,6bn population in Africa and China.
Online Reporter