China is trying to establish a harmonious alliance of volunteers
for the upcoming poverty alleviation China tour, according to the
first preparatory meeting of China
Foundation for Poverty Alleviation held in Beijing on
Saturday.
Li Li, director of the Resource Development Department of the
foundation, said that the country sees a widening gap between the
rich and poor despite strong momentum of economic growth.
As a nongovernmental organization, the foundation also shoulders
the obligation of helping with governmental efforts in reducing
poverty, Li said.
The alliance will recruit compassionate people from all walks of
life and provide various public service to needy areas, he
said.
"We hope it will become an influential volunteer organization
both at home and abroad," Li said.
"Hopefully, the registered number of volunteers will amount to
10,000 in the coming six years, meanwhile donations will accumulate
to 200 million yuan (US$24.7 million). And 1000 poverty-stricken
villages will receive help from us," said Cui Jing, program
coordinator of the department.
Representatives from the business circle, academia, media and
volunteer organizations joined in later discussions, offering
suggestions to the draft regulations about volunteers.
The poverty alleviation China tour, initiated by the China
Foundation for Poverty Alleviation, aims to mobilize urban citizens
from all circles, especially affluent citizens, to visit
poverty-stricken areas, experience the living conditions of poor
people, communicate with them and give them economic
assistance.
(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2005)