China and Globalization

 

I recently published a report about China and globalization with International Forum on Globalization, a non-profit think-tank. The report describes the impact of globalization on China, as well as the responses from the emerging social movements. The English title of the report is “China Copes with Globalization—A Mixed Review”; while the Chinese title is more pointed, which translates into “Reforms that Makes a Few Rich--China and the Path to Economic Globalization”. Both English and Chinese versions of the report were launched in December 2005 in Hong Kong during the WTO ministerial meeting.

 

The shorter English version is available at

          www.ifg.org/pdf/FinalChinaReport.pdf

The longer Chinese version is available at

          www.wyzxsx.com/ebook/002.doc

The long English version (corresponding to the Chinese version) is available at

          www.geocities.com/dale_wen2000/Globalization/en.doc

 

Rural Education

 

Despite China’s stunning economic progress, annually there are still more than 3 million kids drop out of elementary and junior high school. The majority of these drop-out kids are girls, which means that their future children are more likely to miss the opportunity of education as well. This page is just my working progress to explore the problems as well as my small effort to seek answers. Please feel free to write to me to share your thoughts and inspirations on the subject.

 

1. Digital Divide: Real or Artificial? Cause or Symptom?

Abstract Talk Slides

This talk was first presented at “Solutions for a shrinking planet” conference(organized by Engineers for a Sustainable World) in October 2004 at Stanford University.

On June 02, 2005, I was invited as a panelist for “The Digital Divide: Exploring Development, Directions and Definitions in International Technological Projects”, an event at World Affairs Council San Francisco. An audio clip of the panel is available at wacsf.vportal.net/?fileid=3899

 

2. NGO’s Role in Educating China’s Future

Abstract Paper Slides

This paper was initially presented at “3^rd NGO Forum On International Environmental Cooperation in China” in November 2003, Beijing; then at “Women and Sustainable Development” conference in November 2003, Xi’an. Both conferences were jointed sponsored by some government agencies and NGOs. The good news is: after giving a 20-minutes talk at the Beijing conference, I was invited to give it at the Xi’an conference and was given 1.5 hours for the talk and follow up discussion; all these happened despite the fact that the talk was quite critical of many government policies and practices. It was a real sign of hope.

3. Photos from rural China

In October and November 2003, I traveled extensively in China to learn the problems first hand. Here are some photos together with my thoughts: part 1, part 2, part 3.

 

Resource links

Want to help? Here is a list of some China and US based NGOs engaged in rural education. As I have donated to and volunteered for most of these organizations, I am willing to answer your possible questions about them to the best of my knowledge. If you don’t have too much time to surf or get lost in those bilingual sites, I also compiled an easy-to-follow how to donate page.

Rural China Education Foundation

Cultural Development Center for Rural Women in China

Overseas China Education Foundation

Enlightenment Education Project: Chinese English

If you don’t have too much time to surf or get lost in those bilingual sites, I also compiled an easy-to-follow how to donate page.

"You must be the change you want to see in the world." -- Mahatma Ghandi

 

One can make a difference

My husband and I helped to renovate two schools as a wedding gift for ourselves, here is the story.

With $4,000-$6,500, one can help to build/renovate a village school and name it as one wishes. Check here for more details. Sorry, this page is only in Chinese—they haven’t got enough volunteers to translate it to English though they would like to. So if you cannot read Chinese but wish to know more, do not hesitate to ask me or call 718-8882367 ext. 106 to contact the NGO directly.

By the way, for more ideas to bring charitable giving to your big wedding day, check out this cool site I Do Foundation I recently discovered. You can raise money for your favorite charity without any extra cost to you or your guests, isn’t it a wonderful way to start a new chapter in your life?

 

If you decide to donate, volunteer or take some other actions because of this page, please drop me a note or sign the guest book. I also need some encouragement from you to continue this effort, :-).