Many of the foreign officials hope the Chinese people, through their relentless efforts and the support of the international community, will come to terms with the tragedy soon, and build a new and better life.

"We are here to offer this small financial donation as a token and a gesture of our love and support for the people of China during this difficult time. We hope that the money will be used to bring some relief to the victims on their road to recovery," Cephas Cooper, a government official from the Bahamas, said.

The training program, which will end on June 4, is part of a foreign aid project by the Chinese government to train government officials from developing countries on township management and development. The participants are from Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean.

This time, the participants will not only bring home China's advanced experience in township reform and development, but also memories of love and compassion shown by the people.

(China Daily May 22, 2008)