The Association of Chinese Manufacturers and Merchandise in Lesotho handed over donations of food to 800 orphans and 200people living with HIV/AIDS in Mokhotlong district at Farmers Training Centre on Friday 25 October, 2002

Speaking at the occasion, the Prime Minister's wife, Mrs. 'Mathato Mosisili, said orphans need to be loved and cared for, showing that it is the responsibility of every Mosotho to ensure that those children are protected against violence. She said, "When these children are given love and cared by their relatives and neighbours, it would be easy for them to accept themselves and report when they are abused". Mrs Mosisili, also appealed to the chief of the area to see to it that the rights and the properties of such children are protected, adding that it is the duty of  the community  to report to the chiefs when they realize that the Children's rights are being violated.

In his remarks the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China to Lesotho Mr. Zheng Xianyi, said Basotho are undergoing a severe stress of hunger because of famine.He said, they as Chinese nationals in Lesotho, express their sympathy and concern by means of donating foodstuffs. Mr. Xianyi, said the Chinese nationals in Lesotho have been receiving great care from the government and people of LesothoHe said they  have also established each others trust and profound friendship with their Basotho brothers and sisters.

The Chinese Ambassador said in the past few years, Lesotho has been seriously affected by natural disasters like other southern African countries, and since, the1980's, China has supplied aid to Lesotho many times within its capacity to help relief natural disasters in the country. He pointed out that early this year after the Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili announced the state of famine; Chinese government made a quick response and decided to donate 2000 tons of maize, which are now on the way to Lesotho.

Speaking on behalf of orphans, Miss 'Manaha Ramosobela  said they as orphans encounter problems of taking care of their younger brothers and sisters, who have been left after the death of their parents. Miss Ramosobela, said another problem, which they encounter as orphans is that they abused sexually by their neighbours, especially men and their relatives. She said, relatives also take advantage and misuse their properties, as they know that nobody is taking care of them.

She appealed to those people, who are taking care of orphans to give them love and support so that they can live a normal life as other children living with their parents. She commended the government of Lesotho and the Chinese community for the support they showed to them by donating food. Each orphans received 12.5 kg of maize meal and groceries worth M100. A similar donation of foodstuffs was held in Botha-Bothe district on Thursday.

28 October, 2002