China's first lady attends graduation of teachers in South Africa

Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and a UNESCO Special Envoy for the Advancement of Girls' and Women's Education, attended a graduation ceremony for pre-school teachers in the South African capital of Pretoria on Tuesday.

Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and a UNESCO Special Envoy for the Advancement of Girls' and Women's Education, addresses a graduation ceremony for pre-school teachers in Pretoria, South Africa, July 24, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua/Wang Ye]

Peng was accompanied by Tshepo Motsepe, wife of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and a representative of the African Self Help Association Trust at the event.

The pre-school teachers performed South African songs and dances to welcome the Chinese guests.

Teaching is a noble profession, Peng said.

In order to help the children realize their dreams and eventually carry forward the cause of national rejuvenation and prosperity, teachers should always bear in mind the expectations and responsibilities entrusted to them by their country, maintain a high standard of professional and personal ethics, stay benevolent and never give up learning, she said.

She urged the teachers and students to dedicate themselves to the cause of friendly cooperation between China and South Africa and make contributions to the development of bilateral relations.

The pre-school teachers training program is undertaken by the African Self Help Association Trust, which has covered thousands of people in poverty-stricken neighborhoods.