By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay
September 09, 2020, (232News)
BEIJING –One of Sierra Leone finest representative and a hope for Africa with vast philanthropically experience, Mariatu Kargbo popularly known as the Maliya was chosen to be in the biggest award for Covid-19 in China, chaired by the Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The meeting which was held in Beijing yesterday was to commend role models in the country’s fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.
President Xi Jinping attended the meeting and presented medals to four outstanding individuals, and delivers a speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Mariatu Kargbo was praised and recognized for her tremendous effort in the fight against coronavirus in China. Her attendance in such gathering has been described as a blessing for Sierra Leone and one that always lift up her country and that of the Chinese.
Mariatu Kargbo official recognition and thanks first came when the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a group of African volunteers who helped fights the coronavirus in China.
On May 14, the group was invited to visit the CPAFFC to share their stories and expertise in combating COVID-19.
Mariatu Kargbo, a Sierra Leonean artist in Beijing, raised funds for China, served for a Beijing community to prevent and control the epidemic and shared China’s anti-epidemic stories on social media platforms.
She was the first foreigner that step her feet on the ground during China earthquake, she worked for over six months during China Covid-19 as volunteer.
She expressed her joy in a telephone conversation to this medium for being among such gathering.
She commended the speech of President Xi and described it as a very strong speech and one that she learnt from.
Mariatu Kargbo used the opportunity to congratulate all those who contributed in diverse ways in the fight against Covid-19 such as the Foreign Ministry, Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and CCTV among others.
She said she will continue to make her country proud and will continue to be the role model the country is looking forward to.
She described her life as one that is giving back to the world and she will continue to do such and to do her do her best for the Sierra Leone – China Friendship to grow.
