STORY: Chinese association extends help to needy Ethiopians ahead of New Year
SHOOTING TIME: Sept. 6, 2024
DATELINE: Sept. 8, 2024
LENGTH: 00:04:22
LOCATION: DUKEM TOWN, Ethiopia
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the donation ceremony
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LU QIXIN, Deputy director of the EIZ management committee
3. various of the distribution
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Amharic): SIMEGN NIGUSSIE, Beneficiary of the New Year donations
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): AWAL HASAN, Local official from Dukem town

STORYLINE:

The Eastern Industry Zone Investors Association on Friday extended a helping hand to the needy people living in and around Dukem town, about 35 kilometers east of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The donations were made ahead of the Ethiopian New Year holiday, which falls on Sept. 11, on the premises of the Eastern Industry Zone (EIZ), benefiting more than 5,000 needy people, including about 4,500 students from three nearby schools.
   
The handouts included wheat flour, rice, sugar, edible oil, blankets, clothes, shoes and school supplies.
   
Speaking at the event, Lu Qixin, deputy director of the EIZ management committee, said this year's donation is worth about seven million Ethiopian Birr (around 61,000 U.S. dollars) and includes meal services for around 4,500 students and other basic supplies for 500 students in three schools.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LU QIXIN, Deputy director of the EIZ management committee
"Since its establishment in 2008, the Eastern Industry Zone has taken root in Ethiopia. Guided by sustainable development principles, the association has been helping people in need. We wish we could help more people and improve the lives of the surrounding community, boost the local economy and contribute to the industrialization process of Ethiopia. Thank you for coming. Happy New Year!"

SOUNDBITE 2 (Amharic): SIMEGN NIGUSSIE, Beneficiary of the New Year donations
"Today, I received rice, edible oil and wheat flour. I am grateful to the Chinese companies. I hope I will have a wonderful New Year holiday celebration."
     
Awal Hasan, a local official from Dukem, said the donation is a sign of collaboration and a good relationship between the surrounding community and the Chinese investors in the industrial zone.
   
Hasan added that Chinese investments have played a crucial role in import substitution and job creation in the town.
   
SOUNDBITE 3 (English): AWAL HASAN, Local official from Dukem town
"There are around 141 investors in this compound. They are playing a great role in processing imports and exports, reducing unemployment rate and supporting social responsibilities like today's event."
   
Noting that the New Year gift program started long ago, Adugna Asnake, EIZ's site manager, said that donations have been given twice a year to the economically disadvantaged, elderly and disabled people, as well as needy students.
   
"The association sponsors school feeding programs in nearby schools to help needy students remain in school. It also supports 60 bedridden people in the surrounding areas," Asnake added.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Dekem Town, Ethiopia.
(XHTV)