Guest Speaker Report
Wednesday 30 June 2010
by Rotarian Ian Johnson (reporter)
Our guest speaker was David Ryan who spoke to us about China Heart International (CHI). David was introduced by PP Raymond McCluskie.
David first travelled to China about 15 years ago. On that trip he was with a group that “saw the people – not the cities”. At that time he saw the need for humanitarian aid.He now visits China about five times each year and is there for about 14 weeks of the year.He takes teams to China to give assistance where needed.
David told us that most team members are women. He said men often had problems dealing with the situations encountered on such trips. For example sick babies are often placed in “dying rooms” where they are not fed. The official position is that “if a child is not going to make it, why waste valuable resources on that child”. David said that he has had to face such situations too many times on his trips to China.
David advised us that China’s population is 1.36 billion compared to Australia’s 20 million. However Australia’s per capita income is $36,000-00 compared to China’s $5,300-00. David also advised us that social security benefits basically don’t exist in China.
David then advised us of the many ways CHI provides assistance:
1. Child sponsorship.
2. Doves Wings foster home.
3. Training centre for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. David advised that parents were reluctant to take their disabled children out in public as they “lose face”.
4. Doctor’s school. CHI has provided ongoing assistance to the school including providing tables and chairs.
5. Medical aid.
6. Earthquake aid. Providing clothing to those in need and assistance in reconstructing roads.
7. Volunteers.
David told us of a child found in a box at a rubbish dump. The child was found by a lady who collected recyclables from the dump. The lady became the child’s foster mother. David advised us that CHI provides regular support to a number of foster carers.In conclusion David noted that through the work of CHI
lives are being saved and lives are being changed for the better. David was thanked by PP Angelo Franco.
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