Sino-African friendship blossoms through CHEC project

A touching reunion occurred in July at the Simandou Port project laboratory in Guinea, managed by China Harbor Engineering Co (CHEC), when a local geological assistant engineer met again with Chinese engineer Chen Zhongquan – 13 years after Chen helped build a school that changed Diallo's life.

In 2012, when CHEC began initial surveys for the Simandou Port project, Chen was conducting a field investigation in the nearby Senguelen village and discovered the local primary school in severe condition – classes were held in a makeshift shelter without walls.

The original makeshift school has a corrugated iron roof and log pillars, and it's open on all sides. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Chen wrote a research report on the current state of education at the school and the urgent need for the school's reconstruction. CHEC responded quickly, allocating specialized funds to build a new school with two classrooms, an office, and sanitary facilities for local residents. The company also provided school supplies and organized cultural activities.

Local residents move new desks and chairs into the newly renovated school, with people of all ages taking part in. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Now the school has been incorporated into the national education system, expanded to six classrooms, and accommodates over 200 students. Inspired by CHEC's efforts, another Chinese company recently added new facilities and refurbished its playground. The sound of children reading blends with the hum of machinery from the port in the distance, symbolizing the growing seeds of Sino-African friendship.