Strong foundation

The China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a non-governmental organization founded 25 years ago and named in honor of Madame Sun Yat-sen, has achieved many accomplishments in and outside of China since its inception on May 29,1982.

Soong Ching Ling, also known as Madame Sun Yat-sen, was the late Honorary President of the People's Republic of China and an outstanding woman of the 20th century.

The foundation promotes friendship among nations and makes efforts to help world peace. It also develops communication between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan and promotes unification of the two sides to contribute to the cause of children's welfare and the future of the nation.

Many noted leaders have headed the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, which is one of the earliest foundations following the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. China's great leader Deng Xiaoping held the position of Honorary Chairman of the foundation for a time.

These leaders actively joined in the public welfare efforts of the foundation and contributed to its development.

In the 25 years since it was established, developing along with China's reform and opening, the foundation has been part of the expansion of China's public welfare organizations, while witnessing the rapid development and growth of the nation's economy, as well as its growing strength and sense of public welfare.

Driven by its three main purposes, China Soong Ching Ling Foundation has carried forward the spirit of serving the interests of the nation, society and young people. In public welfare programs, the foundation has demonstrated humane thinking, along with the sincere and faithful concepts that were displayed by Soong Ching Ling during her lifetime.

With support from both domestic and overseas patronage, the foundation has undertaken much successful work and has achieved great accomplishments.

Promoting friendship

Promoting friendship among nations and safeguarding world peace is one of the main purposes of the foundation, for which it has developed international exchanges and extensive communication. It has established exchanges and cooperative relationships with groups and organizations in more than 30 countries and regions around the world. In association with overseas organizations, it has contributed to friendship among nations by carrying the theme of peace, featuring children as the messenger.

Cross-Straits communication

Developing communication between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan and promoting the unification of the two sides is another main purpose of the foundation. With its special position and acting as a bridge to carry forward traditional Chinese culture, the foundation has enhanced understanding and deepened the attachment between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan through cross-Straits exchanges and communication, especially among young people.

Expanding children's welfare

Contributing to the cause of children's welfare and paying close attention to the future of the nation is another main purpose of the foundation. In fulfilling Soong Ching Ling's will of " building the future", for many years the foundation has implemented numerous programs and activities in culture, education, scientific knowledge, arts, sports and other fields to help the healthy growth of children, both physically and mentally. The foundation has also made efforts to provide better conditions for the comprehensive development of children.

Welfare and harmony

Carrying forward public welfare programs and promoting a harmonious society is one of the important jobs of the foundation. It emphasizes the propagation of the spirit of public welfare when providing material help so assisted people who are asking for help can become those who help themselves and are able to offer assistance to others.

Through many years of practice and integration, the foundation has developed public welfare programs in four major projects:

Undergraduate scholarships

The foundation has helped many university students with financial assistance and training. Scholarships that have been contributed total more than 10 million yuan. They have been awarded to students in more than 90 universities and colleges in 31 provinces, cities and autonomous regions.

Teacher training

This project provides training opportunities and courses for teachers in China's remote western region.

Healthy women and children

Carrying out work in research, clinics, training and emergency assistance, the project aims to protect women and infants in the western region of the country.

Children's rights protection

Cooperating with the United Nations Children's Fund, the foundation has trained and encouraged people to fulfill the UN's Children Rights Convention and promote the idea of "helping children - children are equal to other people".

Prizes for the foundation

In 1987, the foundation was conferred the title of "Peace Messenger" by UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar for its contribution to world peace.

In 1997, the foundation was honored by the World Health Organization for its efforts in the battle against smoking by children.

In 1999, foundation won the prize of "national unity progressive model", conferred by China's State Council, for its assistance in aiding impoverished minority areas.

(China Daily 05/28/2007 page8)