By Theresa Kef Sesay
Mariatu Kargbo popularly known as the Maliya is one of Sierra Leone’s finest representatives and a hope for Africa with vast philanthropically experience. This influential Sierra Leonean female was chosen to be in the biggest award category for contributing to combating COVID-19 in China during a programme chaired by the Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The meeting, which was held in Beijing recently, was to commend role models in the country’s fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.
President Xi Jinping attended the meeting and presented medals to four outstanding individuals and delivered a speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Mariatu Kargbo was praised and recognized for her tremendous effort in the fight against coronavirus in China. Her recognition during the gathering was described as a blessing for Sierra Leone and as someone who always lift up her country and that of the Chinese.
Mariatu Kargbo’s official recognition and thanks first came when the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a group of African volunteers who helped fight the coronavirus in China.
On May 14, the group was invited to visit the CPAFFC to share their stories and expertise in combating COVID-19.
Mariatu Kargbo, a Sierra Leonean artist in Beijing, raised funds for China, served for a Beijing community to prevent and control the epidemic and shared China’s anti-epidemic stories on social media platforms.
She was the first foreigner that stepped her feet on the ground during China’s earthquake and worked for over six months during China COVID-19 outbreak as a volunteer.
She expressed her appreciation, gratitude for the recognition further commending the speech of President Xi and described it as a very strong speech and one that she learnt from.
Mariatu Kargbo used the opportunity to congratulate all those who contributed in diverse ways in the fight against COVID-19 such as the Foreign Ministry, Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and CCTV among others.
She said she will continue to make her country proud and be a role model.
Mariatu described her life as one that is giving back to the world saying she will continue to do her best to enhance the Sierra Leone – China Friendship.
