On 24th August 2020, the Chinese Embassy in Botswana donated a batch of sewing machines to the Office of the First Lady of Botswana. Chinese Ambassador H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo and his wife Mme. Mao Xuehong, Neo Jane Masisi, First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, Mr. Wang Bangfu, Political Counsellor of the Embassy, Mr. Bome Matshaba, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, and Mr. Mpho Morapedi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government were present at the handover ceremony.

Ambassador Zhao said in his remarks that over the years, China has been paying attention to the development of people's livelihood and empowerment of women and children in Botswana, and providing assistance within its capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on Botswana’s economic and social development, especially on women, children and youth. To help them get through the tough times and improve their living standards, the Embassy donated 10 sewing machines and 2 overlock machines, which will be distributed to local communities through the Office of the First Lady, to support the vulnerable and consolidate the outcomes of pandemic prevention and control. In the face of COVID-19, China will continue to firmly support Botswana in its fight against the pandemic. China will make its COVID-19 vaccine a global public good when it is ready, and African countries will be among the first to benefit from it. As China and Botswana work together to fight against COVID-19, the bilateral relations and friendship will grow stronger, and the prospects for cooperation will be brighter.

Mrs. Neo Masisi sincerely thanked the Chinese government for its generous assistance to Botswana in battling the pandemic and improving people's livelihood. She said that Botswana is at a critical moment in the fight against COVID-19 as well as economic recovery. The sewing machines donated by the Embassy will enable more women to make masks and clothes and meet their urgent needs. This kind gesture provides a sustainable approach for local communities to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The Office of the First Lady will make good use of the machines to help women find jobs, raise incomes and better fight the pandemic. With joint efforts, Botswana and China will surely defeat the pandemic and embrace a better future.

BTV, Daily News, Xinhua News Agency, and other media houses covered the event.