NAIROBI -- "It takes a village to raise a child." The African proverb conveys the message that it takes many people to provide a sound environment for children to grow up.

To celebrate this year's International Children's Day that falls on Thursday, China and the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) launched the "Warm Children's Hearts, a China-Africa Joint Action" initiative to arouse public awareness and show their love and care for African children.

The children who received greetings, aid and medical assistance from China during the event said they were glad to know that so many Chinese people care about their lives.

FRIENDSHIP ROOTED IN PEOPLE

The event, initiated by Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the OAFLAD, was launched in dozens of African countries recently.

In the Republic of the Congo, gifts from the Chinese embassy in Brazzaville brought joy and happiness to children at an adoption center. Doctors from the 29th Chinese medical team to the country provided physical exams for the children.

In the eyes of Octavie Bopenda, head of the Bethanie Orphanage, the center symbolizes the friendship between her country and China. "On March 29, 2013, Professor Peng came to the center when President Xi and the first lady visited the country. Scenes from that day still appear vividly before us," Bopenda said.

In the past 10 years, the Chinese embassy and Chinese companies in the Republic of the Congo have visited the center many times. "The children are growing up with love and care from the two countries," she said.

In China's western province of Qinghai, many children have a special affection for the Republic of the Congo. In April 2010, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai. As locals were struggling to rebuild their homes, President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso announced that his country would help rebuild a primary school in the quake-hit area. Two years later, the restoration of Wenle Central Boarding School was completed under the new name of the Sino-Congolese Friendship Primary School.

"China and Congo have been long-time friends," said Minister of Social Affairs and Humanitarian Action Irene Mboukou Kimbatsa. "The event is simply a proof of our solid friendship. Our relations are full of love, respect and humanism."

During his visit to the Republic of the Congo in 2013, Xi said the development of the China-Africa partnership is rooted in the people and is fostered through exchanges. His vision has been guiding cooperation between China and Africa.