Young Chinese idealists vie to join their 'peace corps' in Africa

The first of 300 volunteers arrive to teach Chinese, poultry technologies, and lessons in traditional Chinese medicine.

from the June 27, 2007 edition

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He communicates with the farmers by using a lot of body language, he says with a little grin. He has no budget for his projects, except for the money he brought with him or manages to raise.

During his time in Asossa, he has lost 10 pounds, and, he says, pulling up sleeves and pant legs to prove his point, received 188 bug bites.

He spent the Chinese New Year alone, sending text messages via cellphone to his volunteer colleagues scattered around Ethiopia.

But the thing that is really getting him down lately, he says, is the poverty he encounters. It has made him, he says, a "sadder person."

Sun bristles when asked about China's intentions in Africa.

"Many people ask me why I wanted to come here," he says. "And I respond, I wanted to know the real Africa and do something good for [the people]. We know Africa is poor and thirsty, and we come from a country that is a friend to Africa. We must help friends."

"We are a new generation that benefited from China's economic reform," adds Ms. Liu, who teaches secretarial skills to government officials at the Ethiopian Ministry of Federal Affairs. "We are a warmhearted generation, and we care about the world."

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