Muhammed Seid gives a speech at the event. Photo: The China Foundation for Rural Development

 

The Embassy of Ethiopia in China participated in the commemorative event organized by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) on November 20 in Beijing, marking the 5th anniversary of the "Panda Pack Project," according to the Ethiopian embassy.

In response to the lack of learning and daily supplies for primary school students in developing countries under the Belt and Road Initiative, CFRD and Alibaba Foundation jointly launched the project in 2019.

In the project, care packages were donated to schools and students to improve the learning and living conditions of the beneficiaries while supporting the development of physical education programs at the schools. By fostering the all-round growth of children, it conveys the goodwill of the Chinese people, enhances mutual understanding, and builds a bridge of friendship.

Muhammed Seid, head of political and public diplomacy of the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing, highlighted the positive impact of the project on children in Ethiopia at the event and expressed gratitude to the CFRD for their efforts and called for further collaboration between both parties in similar initiatives.

As of October 2024, the project has raised funds to deliver gifts to over 1.39 million primary school students across 15 countries, including Myanmar, Nepal, Ethiopia, Chad, and Iraq. This has helped children in need to improve their living, learning, and hygiene conditions, CFRD reported.