On August 7, the two‑year Comprehensive Drought‑Response Programme, jointly launched by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, UNICEF and the Government of Zimbabwe, was officially kicked off. Huayou Zimbabwe actively took part in and supported programme delivery. Zhou Ding, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, attended the launch ceremony.

Suffering from the sustained El Niño phenomenon, Zimbabwe has been hit by severe drought, posing huge challenges to local children’s access to drinking water, nutrition and basic livelihood security. Centering on nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), and child protection, the programme targets children and communities affected by El‑Niño‑induced drought. It aims to improve children’s basic living conditions and strengthen communities’ resilience against climate risks. Expected to benefit over 210,000 children, it will deliver targeted support to drought‑affected children and families.

At the launch ceremony, Ambassador Zhou Ding fully recognised Huayou’s commitment to local public welfare. Since commencing operations in 2022, Huayou Zimbabwe has closely aligned corporate growth with improvements in local livelihoods and social progress. It has made targeted investments in key livelihood areas including educational assistance, poverty alleviation initiatives and healthcare security, committing more than USD 5 million to dedicated public‑welfare funds. Its long‑term, consistent and pragmatic philanthropic efforts have effectively lifted local people’s quality of life, vividly demonstrating the responsible, caring and committed international image of Chinese enterprises.

Participation in this drought‑relief programme for children marks Huayou Zimbabwe’s concrete action to further respond to local‑community needs and help children and families cope with drought impacts. Previously, Huayou Zimbabwe partnered with UNICEF to roll out a Positive Parenting Programme in communities, providing support and parenting knowledge for employees’ families and benefiting hundreds of households. Meanwhile, the Company keeps focusing on nutritional and daily‑life needs of children in surrounding communities: it provides nutritious meals for more than 2,000 students across five nearby schools and drills water wells for neighbouring communities. These practical measures have built a bond of mutual benefit between the enterprise and local residents.

What began as a specific child‑support initiative has now brought together government bodies, international organisations, enterprises and all sectors of society. Joint efforts are growing into a force for community transformation. Going forward, Huayou will continue to leverage its strengths to address real‑world needs of drought‑hit children and communities. It will promote more effective coverage of essential services for priority groups and help communities gradually build risk‑resistance capacities. While growing its business, Huayou will actively engage in community‑building. Together with all partners, it will foster a healthier, safer and more resilient growth environment for children and contribute further to Zimbabwe’s sustainable development.