Chinese company donates household items to Kenyan slum dwellers

Catherine Ndunge (left), a beneficiary of the GGT donation, Dr Lali Mwamaka (centre), the ambassador, Sino-Africa Firefly Charity and Kunhu Yang, the GGP marketing Director, during the donation of foodstuffs to Kibera slum residents in Nairobi, Kenya on March 21. [Edith Mutethya/China Daily]

Global Good Trust, a Chinese consumer goods company, has donated maize floor, diapers and sanitary pads worth Ksh126, 000 ($1,222) to residents of Kibera, Kenya's largest slum in the outskirts of Nairobi.

The donation was given to 30 families whose residential houses and businesses were razed by a huge fire last week.

Speaking during the event on March 21, GGT marketing director Kunhu Yang said, his company aims to improve the quality of life of its customers, especially women and children.

"We have introduced high quality products such as Fofos baby diapers and Fofas sanitary pads to Africa, so that users can enjoy world-class products," he said.

Regina Gitau, a beneficiary of the GGT donation, during the donation of foodstuffs to Kibera slum residents in Nairobi, Kenya on March 21. [Edith Mutethya/China Daily]

He encouraged children in Kibera to be hopeful that they can change their lives and become tomorrow's super stars.

"Didier Drogba came from the slums of Cote d'voire, but he became a football star through his efforts. Fiona came from the slums of Kampala, Uganda, but she won the international chess competition through her struggle and became a national hero. Kennedy Odede grew up in Kibera but the Shofco social movement he launched has lit up hopes for Kibera children and changed the destiny of thousands," he said.

The event, the company's fourth donation to the slum, was organized by the Sino-Africa Firefly Charity, an organization that provides a platform for Chinese donators in Kenya and focuses on Kibera slums.

Dr Lali Mwamaka (right), the ambassador, Sino-Africa Firefly Charity and a beneficiary of the GGT donation during the donation of foodstuffs to Kibera slum residents in Nairobi, Kenya on March 21. [Edith Mutethya/China Daily]

According to organization founder Professor Lei Wang, the organization invites Chinese companies in Kenya to directly visit slums and donate directly, allowing philanthropists to experience local people's lives, as well as demonstrate the Chinese people's social responsibility in the East African country.

"The aims of Sino-Africa Firefly Charity are to elevate the people-to-people relationships between the citizens of China and Kenya. We believe that guided by China's Belt and Road initiative, the successful performance of our organization in Kenya will open a new chapter in the field of cooperation between the two countries," he said.

Prof Lei Wang, the Sino-Africa Firefly Charity founder gives a speech during the donation of foodstuffs by GGT to Kibera slum residents in Nairobi, Kenya on March 21. [Edith Mutethya/China Daily]

Catherine Ndunge, a beneficiary of the donation and a single mother of three, told China Daily Africa that she lost all her possessions and her Ksh50, 000 ($485) savings during the fire. She intended to use the money to pay school fees for her two children who are in secondary school, as well as, start a business in order to cater for her family needs.

Kunhu Yang, the GGP marketing Director gives a speech, during the donation of foodstuffs to Kibera slum residents in Nairobi, Kenya on March 21. [Edith Mutethya/China Daily]

"My next plan was to raise additional cash to pay school fees for my other child who is supposed to join college this year. Right now I'm being hosted by a friend and I hope I will be able to recover soon," she said.

She said the Chinese donation was welcome and she was looking forward to getting more well wishers to help her get back to her footing.

During the event, Dr Lali Mwamaka,  who is pursuing a PhD in Medicine in China under the sponsorship of the Chinese government was awarded a certificate of appointment as an ambassador of Sino-Africa Firefly Charity.

Dr. Mwamaka intends to be a bridge between the Chinese donators and the local community.

"Sometimes, people speak freely with their local friends and that's why I decided to join the charity. I look forward to working with my fellow Kenyans living in the slums not only on donations but also giving them hope in life through advise and counselling," she said.

edithmutethya@chinadaily.com.cn