Work-life balance

Apart from Ethiopia, Hu has worked as an agricultural expert in Nigeria and Mali in 2004 and 2011. He said he would like to further develop a career in Africa, but he also feels guilty for spending too much time away from his family. “Whenever the Ministry of Agriculture has some projects in Africa, I always have the enthusiasm to take part in, but I also feel sorry for the insufficient companionship I have with my family,” Hu said. “Life is a process of self-improvement. Africa, despite its truly challenging conditions, is a place where our value of life can be better realized.”

Life in Ethiopia for Hu and Luo is very simple. They leave their homes early in the morning and return late in the evening. They spend most of their time in the fields, which can result in multiple injuries to the arms and legs. Wild animals are also known to frequent the house from time to time to take food, sometimes resulting in damage to property. Despite these challenges, they never gave up and remain resolute in their determination and decision to stay.

“Luo and I were born in the 1960s, a time when our country experienced a shortage of food. When we came to Africa, we looked to the past to inspire us to help local people avoid the hardships we have experienced,” said Hu.

In October 2012, when Hu first traveled to Ethiopia, he published the book Resources and Utilization of Bamboo, on the title page of which he wrote: “I would like to dedicate this book to my mother, who taught me to give respectfully with both hands.” According to Hu, he was not providing aid to Africa, but joining in partnership with his African brothers and sisters for a brighter future.

Comments to xyy@chinafrica.cn