Chinese company helps New Hawassa senior center

“ZTE has invested over four million birr on social development projects in Ethiopia,” said Yang Rongxue, Representative of ZTE at a donation ceremony of food and clothing to Mary Joy Development Association on Friday October 5, 2012. The donation was provided from ZTE employees from China as well as Ethiopia.

“ZTE has been operating in Ethiopia for 12 years now, as a company we have been participating actively in the society to fulfill our social responsibility,” Yang stated. The company that had its revenue grow by 29pct to USD 13.7 billion and overseas revenue increased by 30pct to USD 7.42 billion in 2011 stated that it is interested in giving more donations in the future.

Working with less fortunate persons since 1995, Mary Joy also announced that it has started building a recreational center for older persons only. “In this country there are many places where young people can go to spend time, but there wasn’t a single place where older  people could go to. We wanted to fill that gap,” said Zebider Zewde, Founder and Manager of Mary Joy Development Association.

The center that cost over eight million birr and two years to construct is located in Hawassa. It consists of a cafeteria, clinic, and other recreational spaces where they can go and have a good time. “The center is open to all elderly people but for those who will not afford to pay there will be coupons given to them. Nobody will be left out,” said Zebider.

She also stated that the initiative to build the center was taken by Mary Joy as well as different Ethiopian artists. There also a plan to build similar centers in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa in a few years.

“We really appreciate ZTE for making the donation, we have many partners who are always helping us and we are happy ZTE is one of them,” Zebider stated.

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