Insights | Tanzanian student witnesses China-Tanzania cooperation, aims to bring Chinese culture to Africa

(ECNS) -- The awards ceremony of “My Chinese Story” China-Africa Photo and Video Competition was held in Beijing on Nov. 1.

It was sponsored by the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and China Public Diplomacy Association, and organized by Global Times Online.

A video created by Tanzanian Tewele Ayubu Damiani’s team, “Xiaole's Chinese Story”, won first prize in the "Video Evidence·Popular Short Film" category.

Xiaole is his Chinese name.

In an exclusive interview with China News Network, Damiani said that the friendship between China and Tanzania represents a brotherly bond.

Since completion of the TAZARA railway, he has seen China's commitment to strengthening China-Africa cooperation and deepening China-Tanzania relations through various investments in Africa, such as railway construction.

On July 14, 1976, the TAZARA railway, assisted by China, was officially opened. Damiani recalled his childhood memories of shopping at a TAZARA railway station. He said that a pen with the Chinese characters of “Shang Hai” left a deep impression on him.

He found the two Chinese characters fascinating, like “tiny noodles”, which sparked his interest in learning Chinese.

When he first arrived in China, he found that the real China was very different from what he had seen in the Western media. After living in China for six years, he describes life here as "nice”.

According to Damiani, Chinese people are very friendly and always willing to help. He also noted China's developed transportation system, where light rail travels at “the speed of light”.

Damiani has witnessed the Chinese government's efforts to improve the quality of life for its people. He noted that China has eliminated absolute poverty and that the Chinese people are moving toward a middle-income level.

To promote China-Africa cultural exchange, he hosted a TV program called “China-Africa Hand in Hand”. Through this program, he brings African culture to Chinese audiences and introduces Chinese culture to Africa.

He hopes to continue serving as a bridge and ambassador for China-Africa friendship, recording and sharing the beautiful stories between the two regions. He sincerely wishes for a lasting friendship between China and Africa.