DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- For Samiri, a 12-year-old Tanzanian orphan, it was his first time seeing ultrasound machines and stethoscopes, as friendly Chinese doctors spoke softly through translators.
The Ashura Orphanage Center, in Tanzania's Dar es Salaam, hosts 73 orphans -- 40 males and 33 females, aged between 4 and 20. Members of the Chinese medical teams from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar came to give them comprehensive medical checkups, for free, on a humid weekend.
The children's initial nervousness quickly gave way to excitement. Laughter echoed through the courtyard of the center.
Some clutched new schoolbags brought by the medical team close to their chests, others smiled shyly as doctors knelt to meet them at eye level.
For a few hours, the orphanage became more than a shelter. It became a place of healing, reassurance, and renewed hope.
"These children have already seen more hardship than many adults," Ummukulthum Mohamed Kawili, the center's assistant manager, said quietly, watching a young boy emerge from an examination table clutching a small toy given by a Chinese doctor. "What they need most is care, not only food and shelter, but also the feeling that they are seen and valued."
Through sponsorship from various partners, the center strives to provide education and basic supplies, including food, shelter, medication, and clothing. Yet access to healthcare remains one of the most difficult challenges, Kawili said.
"These doctors have come here to provide treatment free of charge," she said. "Their kindness has no boundaries."
For the children, the experience was both comforting and empowering.
Samiri, who had complained of recurring eye pain, smiled broadly after his screening. "The doctor was very kind," he said. "He gave me medicine and told me my eyes would be okay."
Nearby, younger children compared colorful stickers and waved enthusiastically at the doctors, their earlier fears long forgotten.
The free clinic was part of the "Warm Children's Hearts" initiative, a China-Africa joint action organized by the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, involving 24 members from Chinese medical teams from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
"We try to bring what is most needed, like medical services, medicine, and daily necessities," said Zhang Kai, head of the Chinese medical team in the mainland.
Bao Zengtao, head of the Chinese medical team in Zanzibar, said the outreach was designed with children's specific needs in mind. "This activity is focused on the health of local children, especially through outreach."
At the center, pediatricians, cardiologists, eye doctors, ear specialists, and public health experts examined children patiently.
Eye screenings were a particular priority, given the region's strong sunlight, while ultrasound equipment was used to screen for parasitic diseases, including schistosomiasis.
"We are very concerned about eye diseases among children here," Bao explained. "That is why our eye doctors brought professional devices to screen early. We also have public health experts using ultrasound to check for parasitic infections. If any child feels uncomfortable, they can tell us immediately."
The clinic ran for over four hours, from late morning to afternoon, and the Chinese doctors worked with focus and patience.
For the children, the presence of so many doctors felt reassuring.
Older teenagers asked thoughtful questions about their health, while younger ones marveled at the machines and listened intently to instructions.
Each examination ended with medical advice and a smile, and for younger children, a small gift.
In addition to medical care, the children received food, study stools, toys, schoolbags, and stationery, items that sparked visible joy.
Some children immediately opened their bags to show friends, while others carefully set them aside.
Kawili said the support went beyond material value.
"The free clinical services and the donations have once again cemented the bond between China and Tanzania," she said. "Our children will remember this day for a long time."
At the Ijango Zaidia Orphanage Center, where similar activities were held, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian reflected on the meaning of returning to a familiar place.
"With your care and selfless dedication, children here can grow up healthily and happily," she said, thanking the orphanage staff for their unwavering commitment.
Chen said that China regards Tanzania as "a good friend and sincere partner," and the health and well-being of women and children have long been a shared concern.
She reminded the children that they represent more than their present circumstances.
"Children are the future of the nation and the hope of the people," Chen said. "You are the future and hope of Tanzania, and you are also the future and hope of China-Tanzania friendship."
As the day progressed, the mood among the children shifted from curiosity to confidence. Some proudly showed their checkup cards, and others talked excitedly about becoming doctors one day.
Since Tanzania's independence, China has continuously dispatched medical teams to both the mainland and the Zanzibar archipelago.
China sent its first medical team to Zanzibar in 1964 and to the Tanzanian mainland in 1968. To date, 27 medical teams have served the mainland and 35 Zanzibar, treating nearly 20 million patients and helping local hospitals fill technical gaps.
"They are here not only to treat, but to support healthy development," Chen said. "We hope these children grow strong, joyful, and confident, and one day become outstanding talents contributing to Tanzania's development."
When the Chinese doctors left, children gathered to wave goodbye, some calling out "thank you" in English and Kiswahili. The doctors waved back, promising to return.
For the children of Ashura and Ijango Zaidia orphanages, the Chinese doctors left not only medicine and supplies, but also warmth and a renewed belief that they are not alone. ■