Since the epidemic outbreak in Italy, Ma Wennuo, a junior student majoring in Italian has been worrying about his foreign teacher, Roberto, who lives in Bergamo, Italy.
“I like his class. I still remember that I spoke an Italian tongue twister last semester in a speech contest held by our club. I didn’t think I made a great performance so I asked for Roberto’s help. To my surprise, He showed his appreciation of my voice and encouraged me to keep trying. He even gave me a clear pronunciation table. We talked happily as friends, and this gave me more confidence.” Ma Wennuo recalled. Therefore, as soon as the charity issued by the Italian Department was launched on March 16, he and his family immediately made a donation. He also enrolled in the charity work group, and was responsible for submitting statistics reports. “There is a limit to one man's strength, but the collective power cannot be underestimated. What I want to say to the teacher Roberto and other Italian friends is that we are here with you to fight against this war together.” Ma Wennuo said.
On the afternoon of March 19, Roberto showed up on time to the live lesson of “Italian Audio-Visual & Speaking”. Ma Wennuo, with other 31 classmates, sang the Italian national anthem using QQ voice.“As soon as the song was over, Roberto happily thanked us for everything. We noticed he was moved, and there was warmth in his smile. We understood that it’s the same feeling when the Italian people sing the Chinese national anthem in Rome.” Ma Wennuo said, “Now, we can see Roberto twice a week.As long as he can have lessons on time, we will know that he is safe and healthy.”
Roberto, with more than five years’ experience at JISU, was awarded “My Favorite Foreign Teacher” in 2013. He has special feelings towards JISU and China. “JISU has beautiful scenery and a great learning atmosphere. All of the teachers and students here strive for excellence. I like working here.” Roberto said,” After the outbreak, I continue to pass on knowledge to my students through online classes arranged by JISU. Teachers and students are also very concerned about my health, and make every effort to send me the masks I need. I appreciate that very much. A saying goes, ‘The real friends show up when you are in need.’ China has taken decisive and forceful measures to prevent and control the epidemic. We hope that the two peoples will work together to bring an end to the suffering caused by the outbreak.”
Since early March, they have kept connections with teachers, alumni,partner colleges and related personnel of school-enterprise cooperation units. After collecting their health condition, JISU used funds from the Teaching and Research Office to purchase N95 masks and other epidemic prevention materials for the foreign teachers in the worst-affected areas twice in succession. After the donation initiative was launched by the Italian department, a working group of 4 teachers and 30 students was formed to ensure the progress and effectiveness from the aspects of material supply, planning and coordination, fund management, information technology, and inspection.Due to the positive response of teachers, students, alumni, and the community, the working group was able to purchase 800 KN95 masks, 900 medical disposable masks and other relief materials, and send them from Beijing and Shenzhen to Italy. The students also made beautiful posters, which were sent along with the relief supplies.
“I am especially happy to see the solidarity and love shown by the Chinese people,” wrote Antonio Maturno, an Italian car designer who is the contact for the university and the company. “China is a great country. We will pull together to win this war.” The director of the partner institution of Cafoscari University of Venice, expressed his “sincere thanks to the teachers and students of JISU for their kindness” in his reply.
Zhang Mi, the leader of this team, said “The year of2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. The teachers and students in the Italian department sincerely hope that Italy can overcome the epidemic as soon as possible, and wishes a lasting friendship of unity between the Chinese and Italian peoples.”
