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The other Obama, already at home in China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-11-16 19:59

SHENZHEN: While China and US leaders are becoming acquainted in Beijing and Shanghai, many Chinese are already familiar with President Barack Obama's half-brother.

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Mark Okoth Obama Ndesandjo, born in Kenya and son of Obama's late father and his third wife, has lived in Shenzhen, a southern city neighboring Hong Kong, since 2002 and married a Chinese woman.

"Kids here have enough to eat, but music is what's missing," said Ndesandjo, who visited Shenzhen Welfare Center for Kids in 2002 and decided to teach them piano.

Ndesandjo is more than just a teacher to the orphans. He is also their close friend.

"I learned piano from Mark for two years when I was in high school," said Xiang Yun (pseudonym), an orphan at the center. "When I went to college, he brought a sculpture from Africa to congratulate me. Back then I had no idea that he was US president's half-brother."

"I like learning piano from Mark," said Luo Nan (pseudonym), who came to the orphanage at the age of three and has been learning piano since 2006.

"Mark is my best friend. When I am in trouble or worried, I talk with him," Luo said.

Luo Nan had become confident thanks to Ndesandjo's help, said a teacher surnamed Guan.  "Mark is a nice, talented foreign friend. There are not so many people who can help others seven years in a row."

There was a short period of time that Ndesandjo had to stop coming to the orphanage because of the US presidential election. But right after the election, he threw himself in again.

"Dedication is key to charity," said Ndesandjo. "If we just help the kids once, it may hurt them since the kids may feel that others have given up on them.

"A charity program for Chinese orphans first brought me here, and China's rich culture and its people's hospitality made me stay," said Mark Ndesandjo, who bears a strong resemblance to President Obama.

"Living in China offers me new perspective on life," he said. Ndesandjo can speak fluent Mandarin and loves Chinese calligraphy.

"I am very happy that one of my students from the center is volunteering to teach kindergarten kids piano during weekends," said Ndesandjo with a smile.

Ndesandjo is donating 15 percent of the proceeds of his first novel, "Nairobi to Shenzhen", which was launched on November 4, to his "Help the Kids" project.

As for the President's visit, Ndesandjo said,"I am very glad that he is coming here himself to experience Chinese culture."

"China is like a big family. I feel at home here and want to stay here," said Ndesandjo.

"My wife and my mom get along well. She teaches my mom Chinese, but my mom only know how to say 'hello' in Chinese," said Ndesandjo.

Ndesandjo and his wife will meet President Obama in Beijing. Ndesandjo last met Obama when he visited the United States during the presidential election.