Since the pandemic’s outbreak in Italy, Ma Wennuo, a junior student majoring in Italian has been worrying about his foreign teacher, Roberto, who lives in Bergamo, Italy.

M Wennuo said, “I really like his class. I still remember when I said Italian tongue twister last semester in a speech contest held by our club. I didn’t think I performed that well, so I asked for Roberto’s help. To my surprise, he appreciated the fact that I approached him for help and encouraged me. He even gave me a clear pronunciation table. We always talked with each other as if we were friends and this gave me much more confidence.” Therefore, as soon as the charity issued by the Italian Department was launched on March 16, he and his family immediately made a donation. He also joined a charity work group and is responsible for submitting statistics reports. Ma Wennuo remarked further, “There is a limit to one man's strength, but the collective power cannot be underestimated. What I want to say to teacher Roberto and other Italian friends is that we are in this together and fighting with you.”

On the afternoon of March 19, as usual, was holding a session of his “Italian Audio-Visual & Speaking” class online. To Roberto’s surprise, Ma Wennuo and the other 31 classmates, sang the Italian national anthem.As soon as the song was over, Roberto joyfully thanked his students for their thoughtful support. The students saw the warmth in his smile, the same warmth they remember feeling when they heard the Italian people feel when they sing the Chinese national anthem in Rome. “Ma Wennuo said, “Now, we have a chance to see Roberto twice every week.As long as he can have lessons on time, we will know that he is safe and healthy.”

Teacher Roberto teaching his online class

Roberto, with more than five years’ experience at JISU, was awarded the “My favorite foreign teacher award” in 2013. He has a special love of JISU and China. “JISU has beautiful scenery and a great learning atmosphere. All of the teachers and students here strive for excellence. I really enjoy working here.” Roberto continued, “After the outbreak, I continue to pass on knowledge to my students through online classes arranged by JISU. Teachers and students are also very concerned about my health, and make every effort to send me supplies like masks. I really appreciate that. As the saying goes, ‘real friends show up when you are in need.’ China has taken strong and decisive measures to prevent and control the pandemic. We hope that we can all work together to bring an end to the suffering caused by the outbreak.”

According to Yang Weirui, director of the Italian department at JISU, they have been keeping connections with the teachers, alumni, brother colleges and related personnel. After checking in on their living and health conditions, the Italian department purchased N95 masks and other important materials and sent them to the foreign teachers in the worst-affected areas twice. A working group of four teachers and 30 students was formed to ensure that the supplies were properly managed and delivered promptly. With the positive responses from the teachers, students, alumni, and the social community, on March 20, the working group was able to purchase 800 KN95 masks, 900 medical disposable masks and other relief materials and then sent them directly to Italy from Beijing and Shenzhen. The students also made beautiful posters to encourage them, which were sent along with the supplies.

"I am truly touched by the love shown to us by the Chinese people. China is a great country indeed. We will work together to win this war," wrote Antonio Maturno in his Wechat, an Italian car designer with ties with JISU. The director of a partner institution at Cafoscari University of Venice also expressed his "sincere thanks to the teachers and students of JISU for their kindness".

Zhang Mi, head of the Italian department at JISU, said, “True friends face adversity together and offer a strong hand of support whenever the road gets treacherous. Although vast oceans set us apart, the moon and wind share our kind heart. The year 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, and the teachers and students in the department sincerely hope that Italy can overcome this pandemic in the near future, and wishes a lasting friendship of unity between the Chinese and Italian people.”