China
Beijing/Shanghai/Jiujiang/Zhanjiang
April 2010
April 8-18, 2010
GPF Founder Beth Nonte Russell and GPF Board member Paula Bansch traveled to China in April, 2010. The purpose of the trip was a fact-finding mission, to assess the situation for orphans and make connections with those groups and individuals already doing work in the field.
The trip was a remarkable success on many fronts. Beth and Paula were able to visit both Lily and Jaden's orphanages, in JiuJiang and Zhanjiang, as well as a foster home on the outskirts of Beijing. The foster home cares for children who have serious medical conditions, arranging for them to get the care they need and ensuring their place on a list for potential adoption. The work being done there is inspiring and the needed service is truly a model for all those seeking to do work with China's orphans. We hope to be able to supplement her work through our medical director, Dr. Pat Mason, and his extensive contacts.
Beth and Paula also met with a member of Ambassador Jon Huntsman's staff. Kathy Gellner is an expert on adoption process in China and will be an excellent contact as the GPF begins its work.
Another key contact was Dr. Jane Liedtke, director of Our Chinese Daughters Foundation. Jane has been in Beijing for 10 years, doing work on behalf of orphans, adoptees and their families. Jane was able to brief us on many aspects of the situation for orphans in China today; she also invited us to a meeting of directors of NGO's working in the Beijing area who were being briefed by a representative of the American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing. The meeting proved to be extremely informative and enlightening. Many of the groups represented are doing amazing work and we hope to continue contact with those we met.
Other notable meetings included the head of Public Relations for Pepsico and the head of Public Relations for Yum Brands. We were able to have very productive discussions with both women and we feel that both companies have a strong commitment to helping those in need in China.
One of the most lasting impressions of the trip came as we visited Lily's orphanage. Having been there 10 years before, there was an expectation that there might be improvements in the conditions for the children living there. That was not the case, and in many ways the conditions have deteriorated. It brought home the point that so much still needs to be done for China's orphans, for those left behind.
The Golden Phoenix Foundation 1390 Chain Bridge Road, # 15 McLean, VA 22101 email: contact@goldenphoenixfoundation.org
