Celebrating unity: Chinese and African children join hands in Beijing

A programme aimed at fostering communication between Chinese and African children was inaugurated in Beijing on Sunday.

The event, held at the China National Children's Centre, featured a welcome ceremony where children from Namibia, South Africa, Somalia, Uganda, and the Central African Republic gathered alongside their Chinese peers.

The children participated in a variety of activities, including games, dance and martial arts performances, and a group painting session. In the center's intangible cultural heritage area, they explored traditional Chinese culture by making scented pouches and shadow puppets.

Huang Xiaowei, vice president of the All-China Women's Federation, emphasised the significance of children in shaping the future and strengthening the China-Africa friendship. She noted that such exchanges would bring new energy to the continued development of bilateral relations.

The programme, hosted by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the All-China Women's Federation, will span six days. During this time, children from China and the participating African countries will visit the Palace Museum in Beijing and cultural sites in central China's Henan Province.