Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, the international partners of the Open University of China (OUC) have paid close attention to its development, expressed their condolences and support to the OUC in various ways, strongly praised China's tremendous efforts in fighting the epidemic, and even helped by collecting protective materials to provide practical assistance.

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in Pakistan, Universidad a Distancia de Madrid (UDIMA) and the Open University of Catalonia, in Spain, Universal College in Malaysia, and Dublin City University in Ireland have all made efforts to see that supplies of protective equipment reach China.

The director of the Foreign Affairs Department of AIOU in Pakistan coordinated with other parties to collect protective materials.

The staff of Yayasan Tarumanagara, a foundation in Indonesia that has a cooperation agreement with the OUC, recorded a short video in which they said, "Stay Strong! Wuhan, China will win! We sincerely wish you happiness and peace!"

Staff of Yayasan Tarumanagara encouraging China’s struggle against the epidemic

Teachers and students from the OUC Learning Centre in Zambia also sent a video, expressing their firm belief that China and the world would unite to overcome the epidemic.

Teachers and students from the OUC Learning Centre in Zambia

Personnel from Thompson Rivers University in Canada sent an e-mail to express their concerns and convey their best wishes to all OUC teachers and students.

A letter from Thompson Rivers University expressing concern for all the leaders, teachers and students of the OUC

Botswana Open University in Africa also expressed concerns and extended condolences to OUC faculty, hoping that the Chinese people would succeed in defeating the epidemic, and looking forward to further exchanges and cooperation between the two universities.

The International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) has been in close contact with the OUC, and in its latest press release for member institutions called for surgical masks to be sent to the university.

ICDE’s latest news on the OUC’s appeal for protective materials

The solidarity and support of these international partners reflect the international community's concern for China and attest to the friendship among countries. They give us confidence that we will overcome this epidemic.

As an old saying goes: "When disasters strike, help comes from all sides. Hills and rivers may set us apart, but the moon and wind share our kind hearts." In this battle with an invisible foe, we are not alone. I believe that our joint efforts and the assistance of our international friends will enable us to overcome the epidemic soon, and restore the normal order.

Chins up, Wuhan; China will win!

By OUC International Cooperation and Exchange Department