The scene of panda pack deliberation ceremony

Burundi local time on the morning of November 27^th, the 2023 Deliberation Ceremony for Panda Pack Project jointly conducted by China Foundation for Rural Development, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Burundi and Bonne Action Foundation set up by the first lady of Burundi was successfully held in Mutwingz Primary School in Quilundo, Burundi. Nearly 1000 people attended the event, including Mrs. Angelina, the first lady of Burundi, Ms. Zhao Jiangping, Ambassador of China to Burundi, representatives of the China Rural Development Foundation, representatives of the Office of the First Lady, representatives of the Bonne Action Foundation, media, students and parents of the beneficiary school.

Ms. Zhao Jiangping, Ambassador of China to Burundi, delivered a speech

Ambassador Zhao said in her speech: “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Burundi, and it is also the second year of the implementation of Panda Pack Project in Burundi. Embassy of China in Burundi, China Foundation for Rural Development and Bonne Action Foundation cooperate closely and make an impressive achievement. Education is the foundation for development. Talents are hope of a country. We will keep enhancing our support to education in Burundi to help Burundi realize the ‘2040, 2060’ development prospect.”

Mrs. Angelina, the first lady of Burundi, delivered a speech

Mrs. Angelina, the first lady of Burundi, expressed appreciation to the Embassy of China in Burundi and China Foundation for Rural Development for their enthusiasm about public welfare in Burundi and practical actions for well-being of students in hardship. Mrs. Angelina said, “China’s kind actions fully show the profound friendship between Burundian and Chinese people. Education determines the future of a country. Burundi is strongly welcome for more Chinese social organizations to improve the basic education conditions in Burundi, promote the healthy growth of children, help students in hardship finish their schoolwork and cultivate more talents for the development of Burundi in various ways.”

Zhang Xiuzi, project director in the International Development Department of China Foundation for Rural Development, delivered a speech

Zhang Xiuzi, project director in the International Development Department of China Foundation for Rural Development, said, “It is the second year for Panda Pack in Burundi. This year, we customize the Panda Pack according to the language and culture of Burundi and hope that Burundian children can feel the love and care from Chinese people while using these gifts, work hard in study life and embrace a brighter future. As a social organization in China, China Foundation for Rural Development is willing to assist Burundi in improving basic education and promoting sustainable development.”

Children received Panda Packs

Panda Pack Project was jointly initiated by China Foundation for Rural Development and Alibaba Philanthropy in 2019. It donates Panda Packs to primary school students in developing countries along “the Belt and Road” to improve their study and life conditions and promote the interaction of people in China and other countries. Until October in 2023, the project has been successfully implemented in 14 countries. In order, they are Nepal, Myanmar, Cambodia, Namibia, Uganda, Mongolia, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Laos, Pakistan, Philippines, South Sudan, Burundi and Iraq. Beneficiary students are more than 1.15 million.