{{A delegation of six spouses from African Embassies in China lead by Madam Anne Marie Kayitesi Ngarambe, spouse of the Ambassador of Rwanda to China, consecrated a day to contribute to the renovation works of the Great Wall. }}
The event was held on April 11.
The initiative was a symbol of their respect for Chinese people and Chinese culture, also as a commitment to contributing to universal responsibility towards world cultural heritage.
The Great World of China, one of the most famous wonders of the antique times, is also listed as part of World Heritage by the UNESCO.
It was continuously built from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD on the northern border of the country as the great military defense project of successive Chinese Empires, with a total length of more than 20,000 kilometers.
The purpose of The Great Wall was to protect China from outside aggression, but also to preserve its culture from the customs of foreign barbarians. Because its construction implied suffering, it is one of the essential references in Chinese literature.
Over many past centuries, the Great Wall has suffered from many sources of deterioration, notably the harsh weather conditions, wars and bombardments, vandal acts by tourists, and looting of stones by villagers around it.
That is why renovation activities are regularly undertaken by Chinese Government and by all well wishers committed to protecting universal heritage.
It is against this background that 6 spouses of African Ambassadors took the initiative to give their contribution to that renovation.
After two hours drive from the Capital City Beijing, they spent a whole day with the site workers, laying bricks with white mud on a portion of the deteriorated wall.
Their contribution was recognized with an official certificate from Chinese body in charge of the renovation.
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