Building a legacy

Feng Yanlin, an engineer with the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design, helped design the Tunis Youth Center for Sports and Culture, in 1985.

She was 30 at the time and is proud of the fact that "it is still the most beautiful and frequently used building in Tunis".

The building was designed by Liu Li and has an Arabian-style dome and earth-yellow walls that fit in well with the surroundings, with a 500-seat theater and swimming pool. It was finished in 1990, cost 15.3 million yuan (US$2.3 million) and was opened by the country's president.

"Although some of the facilities have worn out, it is still popular among children and after 25 years it is still the only venue of its type in the city."

Feng's colleague, Yang Min, recalled the happy scenes she witnessed two years ago.

"It is so fulfilling to see so many happy kids in a China-made building. I love children and I was so excited to see it."

Parents send their children to the center every afternoon in the week, on weekends and on holidays, where they learn painting, gymnastics and taekwondo.

"There were two volunteers from Jiangxi Province teaching Chinese martial arts and gymnastics," Yang said.

The refurbishments to the flooring, air conditioning and the purchase of computers will cost approximately 20 million yuan (US$3 million), Feng said.

"We have transported most of the building materials and facilities from China, to lower costs and ensure quality. At the same time, it is a way to promote China-made products."

Feng and her team is awaiting confirmation from Ministry of Commerce to complete their renovations.

Her team has also worked on other aid projects, including a hospital in Peru.

(China Daily July 30, 2010)