By Guo Xinguan and Ye Yuting/China Youth Daily

The 2024 Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will be held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. Against this backdrop, Mu Ruiying, a sophomore at Weiyang College, Tsinghua University, participated in a social practice program this summer, where she contributed to environmental conservation efforts in Kenya, Africa.

Below is Mu Ruiying's own narration:

Under the scorching sun, we uprooted the last datura stramonium plant from the roadside, adding it to a growing pile that formed a small hill. We were all exhausted, and some even sustained injuries from the sharp spines that lined the plant's stems. Yet, the effort was rewarding, contributing modestly to the restoration of the local ecosystem.

Mu Ruiying (leftmost) conducting animal observation with some other team members. Photo provided by Tsinghua University
This task was part of an overseas social practice undertaken by students from Tsinghua University in Kenya, Africa. During the two-week program, we strived to implement the Sustainable Development Goals and safeguard this unique land.

In addition to striving to combat the spread of datura stramonium, a toxic invasive species, we also gained valuable insights into the state of wildlife conservation in Kenya and conducted observational studies at the Soysambu Conservancy, where I worked alongside international volunteers and underscored a profound truth: despite our diverse cultural backgrounds, we were united by our shared love for Earth and our commitment to environmental conservation.

Mu Ruiying (left) uprooting a Datura Stramonium plant. Photo provided by Tsinghua University
China-Kenya cooperation on wildlife conservation was echo by Vincent Obanda, principal research scientist at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute in Nairobi. He mentioned the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), saying that the forum would convey the message that both Chinese and Kenyans could collaborate on wildlife protection.

Since its inception in 2000, FOCAC has become a crucial platform for China and Africa to engage in bilateral and multilateral dialogues, promoting cooperation and development, significantly contributing to Africa's progress.

Mu Ruiying (leftmost) exchanging ideas with other volunteers at Soysambu Conservancy. Photo provided by Tsinghua University
In my opinion, as millennials who have grown alongside the development of FOCAC, we bear the responsibility of deepening China-Africa friendship and mutual development. In the future, as Tsinghua students and global citizens of the 21st century, we are committed to advancing the Global Development Initiative through tangible actions, channelling our youthful energy into contributing to global progress.

Mu Ruiying (bottom row, far right) with fellow team members and local parents following the completion of building an energy-efficient stove for a residence. Photo provided by Tsinghua University