Afghan children stand outside a China-donated tent at a temporary refugee camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 17, 2025. Across Afghanistan, stories of returnees and students alike paint a picture of resilience and renewal -- a process strengthened by China's timely humanitarian aid and far-reaching educational cooperation.(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Across Afghanistan, stories of returnees and students alike paint a picture of resilience and renewal -- a process strengthened by China's timely humanitarian aid and far-reaching educational cooperation.

In the sweltering heat of Kabul Province, 35-year-old Banares, a recent returnee, sits outside her family's shelter -- a sturdy blue tent donated by China.

"When we arrived, China assisted by giving us tents. If these tents were not available, where would we have stayed under this scorching sun?" she said with gratitude. "Life as a migrant under such harsh conditions would be unbearable."

Her words echo the sentiments of many others. Halima, an 11-year-old who returned with her parents, six sisters, and a brother, also relies on one China-donated tent. Despite the uncertainty, she hopes children like her will resume their education.

"We are very happy with China because they provided us with tents," she said with a shy smile. "I used to go to school, and now I hope to continue my education."

Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation underlines the urgency of such assistance. Spokesman Abdulmutallab Haqqani said China's aid enables returnees to start anew, reintegrate into communities, and regain dignity.

"There is no doubt that when refugees return to Afghanistan and settle here, they face many challenges. At such times, there is a great need for services. In this regard, China has provided significant assistance to the Ministry of Refugees, including vehicles, blankets, and tents, which we have distributed at border points and sent to the provinces," he said.

For some returnees, the journey home has been especially tough. Raz Mohammad Sulaimani spent three days in a refugee camp before reaching Kabul.

"When we arrived, the only shelter waiting for us was the tents provided by China. No other nation supported us like this," he said. "While the tents gave us immediate relief, refugees still face many challenges, including finding housing, food, and work once they return to their provinces."

Aid workers and drivers, who interact with returnees daily, witness similar hardships. Amruddin, a driver transporting families, stressed the critical role of Chinese aid.

"Most returnees have no money, no jobs, and no place to stay. The tents from China are vital -- they provide temporary shelter and hope," he said.

China's assistance in Afghanistan combines emergency humanitarian relief with long-term educational investment. While tents, food, and blankets address urgent needs, schools, scholarships, and training programs pave the way for future growth.

Wahidullah Halimi, executive director at the Confucius Institute of Kabul University, highlighted China's contributions to education.

"Infrastructure projects such as a guesthouse, the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, a general teaching building, and an auditorium have been key steps," he said.

"Scholarships and academic programs offered 60 outstanding students in 2023 and 2024 opportunities to study in China. Over the past 15 years, between 20 and 50 Afghan students have earned placements in China each year, enhancing both academic development and cross-cultural awareness," he added.

From the dusty refugee camps to the lecture halls of Kabul University, China's presence in Afghanistan is felt both in immediate relief and in long-term opportunity. ■

Afghan children are seen inside a China-donated tent at a refugee camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 17, 2025. Across Afghanistan, stories of returnees and students alike paint a picture of resilience and renewal -- a process strengthened by China's timely humanitarian aid and far-reaching educational cooperation.(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Afghan children stand outside a China-donated tent at a refugee camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 17, 2025. Across Afghanistan, stories of returnees and students alike paint a picture of resilience and renewal -- a process strengthened by China's timely humanitarian aid and far-reaching educational cooperation.(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Afghan children rest inside a China-donated tent at a temporary refugee camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 17, 2025. Across Afghanistan, stories of returnees and students alike paint a picture of resilience and renewal -- a process strengthened by China's timely humanitarian aid and far-reaching educational cooperation.(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 17, 2025 shows a Chinese-aided housing project under construction in Kabul, Afghanistan. Across Afghanistan, stories of returnees and students alike paint a picture of resilience and renewal -- a process strengthened by China's timely humanitarian aid and far-reaching educational cooperation.(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)