BY ADAMA CONTEH
232NEWS, FREETOWN
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Sierra Leone on Wednesday 13th held their “China-Africa Space Carnival” at the Chinese Embassy Wilberforce.
Speaking at the carnival, the Chinese ambassador to Sierra Leone Wang Qing, said that Humanity’s exploration of space has never stopped and that the deep space always leaves people with infinite imagination.
He further said that China has actively carried out space exploration missions in recent years, including the launches of Chang’e lunar probes, the Mars probe Tianwen -1, and the solar exploration satellite Xihe, as well as the construction of the Country’s space station Tiangong.
“These missions have continuously deepened people’s understanding of the universe”, he explained. He further stated that at the same time, China is willing to work with all Countries to strengthen exchanges and Cooperation to jointly explore the mysteries of the universe, make peaceful use of the outer space, and promote space technology to better benefit people around the world.
He continued that last year they organized an event “Talk with Taikonauts –Q&A session between the Shenzhou-14 Astronauts Crew and Africa Youths”. He pointed out that Africa youths expressed their interest in the field of space and aspiration to fly into space one day.
In March this year, we hosted a painting competition on the theme of “My Dream” inviting Africa youths to record their hopes and dreams in paintings, he explained. He also said that the top 10 outstanding award–wining works will be sent to the Chinese Tiangong space station, and will be displayed live on global social network platforms.
The event received a great deal of passionate interest and warm response from Sierra Leone and other Africa Countries, he stated. He continued that his Embassy also received dozens of entries. It is worth celebrating that Haja Fatu Turay’s painting was selected to the final in Beijing and won the “MengTian” award (the third prize), he said.
“On behalf of the Embassy, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to Haja, as well as the teachers of the Confucius Institution at the USL and all the students who participated in this competition. He continued that in May this year, China launched the Shenzhou-16 manned spaceship, sending three astronauts to its space station combination for a five-month mission, completed a new round of in-orbit crew handover.
He further mentioned that the new astronauts who are Mr Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao brought the top 10 outstanding award-winning painting to space. Today they will display them to us and have another “Talk with Taikonauts” session with Africa youths, he announced. Haja fatu Turay also thanked the Chinese Embassy for giving her such an honor and expressed hope that the good relationship between China and Sierra Leone will continue. “I was scared to apply for the program when my teacher first sent me the notice, but he succeeded in persuading me and I applied and I extend many thanks and appreciation to him” she stated.
