#YourStory – Nurturing others should come from the heart

“Present roses to others and the fragrance remains on your hands.”

This is the joy Jian-Ling Wu feels when she gives to those in need – knowing the fragrance of making a little difference stays with her.

“I firmly believe giving is the best reward one can receive,” said Jenney.

Known as Jenny to the community, the mother of two from Cyrildene is always trying to help those in need.

Born in Jilin, China, Jenny moved to South Africa 20 years ago with her family.

“My husband had to come and work in South Africa and we decided we will move as a family,” said Jenny.

She saw a need in the community to help others. She decided to contribute her time to help where she could, given the few resources she has.

“I started organising and coordinating functions in the Chinese community because there was a need. We always want people to come into our community and learn about our culture and I’m always willing to learn about other people’s cultures and way of life,” said Jenny.

She said in the Chinese culture they respect and value their traditions, and caring for family is important – especially caring for the elderly.

“As I have been working within the community, I find the same values in the community here, as I do back at home. I moved to South Africa but I did not forget where I come from. I learnt that we value the same things and that elderly people are important,” said Jenny.

She finds out that the needs are within the community and then finds ways of helping out.

“We donate to schools, old age homes and to the less fortunate. We look at the needs at the time and see how we can assist,” said Jenny.

Her dream is to see young people starting their own businesses and partnering with businesses in China.

“I hope to see the two countries working together because we have a number of Chinese people who were born here, work here and who have a life here. But we do not want to forget where we come from and if we can create business relationships between the two countries, it will assist a lot of unemployed people,” said Jenny.

She is actively working with a business forum in assisting SA business groups to visit China and to do business with Chinese partners.

Jenny is also part of the Chinese Community Police Forum and she said this is close to her heart because as a mother, safety is always a concern.

“When you work with people you get to understand the struggles they face every day. This has taught me a lot as a young mother and resulted in me not sitting back and doing nothing for my community. You find elderly people telling you they are concerned about their safety. You also hear how crime has taken over communities. You want to do something and assist in whatever little way you can,” said Jenny.

Jenny recently organised a Mother’s Day and Elderly Appreciate Day at the Dewetshof retirement home in Kensington. She also helped to collect donations for the Hong Ning Chinese Aged home.

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