In order to ensure the specified use of designated funds, the “Dumb solution” of Baby Bamboo is for us to Go In Person…

The alumni of the Chinese University of Hong Kong were acutely aware that the future prosperity and well-being of the country and its people were dependent on the advancement of the educational level of her citizens. The “China Education Development Fund” was set up with the hope of making some small contribution towards education in the mainland.

The “China Education Development Fund” was established in 1995, with the official launch of the “Baby Bamboo Operation” in 1996. Its purpose is to support the development of basic education in deprived rural areas of the mainland.

Management and Operation

The “Baby Bamboo Operation” was established and is managed by the “China Education Development Fund”, a subdivision of the “Education Foundation of the Federation of the Alumni Associations of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Limited”, with Arthur K.C. Li, Vice-Chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, as its patron. The fund has been recognised as a charitable organisation with tax exempt status by the Office of Inland Revenue. Annual accounts are subjected to independent audit by auditors registered in Hong Kong, with documents kept on file at the Office of Inland Revenue and the Companies Registration Office.
Reports on income and expenditure and on operational activities are published in the “baby Bamboo Column” in every issue of the “Chinese University Alumnus” periodical. In future, the “Baby Bamboo WebPage” will be established on the net to provide the latest information.

Why choose the name “Baby Bamboo Operation”?

The “Baby Bamboo” or “Shoulder pole” is the most basic, the simplest, and the most often used implement in China. With the help of such a humble implement, and through the efforts of each and every one in the multitude, immeasurable burdens can be carried to the ends of the earth.

In order for the Baby Bamboo to do its job properly, the weights on each end must be well balanced. This is an apt metaphor for the equality of Hong Kong and China in these endeavors, their mutual encouragement and support. After they receive their scholarships, impoverished rural students will be able to concentrate on their studies. The donors’ enthusiasm is a sign of their understanding of the situation of students in China, and their unquenchable spirit in the quest for learning despite difficult circumstances.

Prizes

Each year, prizes are conferred in recognition of students who have achieved exceptional academic results so as to promote the spirit of learning.

Results are calculated for the full academic year, and the top student of each class from preschool to primary six is awarded one hundred and fifty dollars. The next student is awarded one hundred dollars, and the third is awarded fifty dollars.

At present, 18 schools benefit from this scheme, and prizes have been awarded to students on more than 1,200 occasions (up to April 2000).

Educational Intercourse

Teacher interaction and training exercises have been organised in order to encourage rural teachers to stay in their positions and to augment educational standards.

The first interchange occurred during the Lunar New Year of 1999, when teachers from three schools in Ru Yuan County arrived in Shenzhen to meet teachers from Hong Kong, all expenses paid.

The second interchange occurred during July 2000; all expenses were paid for Highly Commended teachers from Ru Yuan County to travel to Shenzhen in order to meet teachers from Hong Kong.

Scholarships

In order to enable students to concentrate on their studies without being affected by their impoverished circumstances at home, Baby Bamboo Operation donates 500 dollars annually to each impoverished rural primary level student. Witnessed by the school authorities, scholarships are given directly to the parents by volunteers who travel to each location. Receipts are then sent to the donors.

Recipients write at least two letters each year to their donors to inform them of their daily life and educational experiences. Donors and their families are also encouraged to visit the students so as to maintain close relations, and to render further support and encouragement to these rural children.

At present, 18 schools have benefited from the program, and students have received aid on more than 1,600 occasions (up to April 2000).

School Construction

Reconstruction of run-down primary school buildings for impoverished rural villages: Eight schools have already been built in northern and western Guangdong province, while four more are in the building or planning stages.

Baby Bamboo Operation donates money for the construction of schools up to a limit of sixty percent of total construction costs. Payment is remitted directly to China, but only after completion and examination of school buildings.

Guangdong Province, Shaoguan City, Ruyuan Yao Tribe Autonomous County Chinese University of Hong Kong Alumni Association Fang Wu Primary School (1997)
Chinese University of Hong Kong Alumni Association Xin Min Primary School (1997)
Chinese University of Hong Kong Alumni Association Chang Chong Ming Zhi Primary School (1998)
Chinese University of Hong Kong Alumni Association Fang Dong Zhi Shan Primary School (1999)
Chinese University of Hong Kong Alumni Association Qi Xing Dun Bo Lin Primary School (2000)
Chinese University of Hong Kong Alumni Association Dong Fun Huang Ji Primary School (2001)

Guangdong Province, Zhaoqing City, Fengkai County Chinese University of Hong Kong Alumni Association Xing Hua Qun Li Primary School (1998)
Chinese University of Hong Kong Alumni Association San Jia Pei You Primary School (1998)
Chinese University of Hong Kong Alumni Association Feng Chuan Primary School (2001)

Guangdong Province, Zhaoqing City, Gwangning County Chinese University of Hong Kong Alumni Association Jin Chang Chong Guang Primary School (2000)

About Us

The Baby Bamboo Operation for educational advancement was initiated by the alumni of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. However, quite early on in the course of our development, donors and volunteers came to include non-alumni, and we extend our welcome to all participants.

All donations are channeled in their entirety to the recipients, no part thereof being deducted for operational expenses. Any expenses incurred in operational activities are raised separately. Groups visiting schools (including personnel) are responsible for their own travel expenses.

All administrative follow-up, including the selection of students from recipient schools and the conferment of prizes and scholarships, is carried out in person by volunteers from Baby Bamboo Operation.

Recipient schools on the mainland are monitored both by the Department of Education of Guangdong province and by the local county government. In principle, Baby Bamboo Operation visits the schools at least once a year.

Mutual encouragement and support towards the betterment of education: apart from the student recipients who write about their recent activities, we also encourage donors and their families to correspond with the students.

Every year, Baby Bamboo Operation organises a group visit to the schools. Donors are welcome to bring along their children, as the trip will constitute a very meaningful educational experience for the youngsters.

All the schools constructed through donations from Baby Bamboo Operation are provided with scholarships, prizes, and teacher training in order to promote both the teaching and the learning processes, contributing to the improvement of educational standards.

At present, all the sites of activity of Baby Bamboo Operation are situated within Guangdong province. However, we plan to expand our work to other provinces in need, and welcome volunteers to take part in future projects.

In order to ensure the specified use of designated funds, the “Dumb solution” of Baby Bamboo Operation is for us to Go In Person…

Will you be going the next time?

If you are interested in “Baby Bamboo Operation” ‘s activities to bring about the advancement of education in China, please leave us a mode of contact so that we can send you our latest news.

Fax: 2603 6226     E-mail: alumni@cuhk.edu.hk     Website: www.hongkongschool.com

Name: _________________
Sex: ___________________
Phone: _________________
Fax: ___________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
E-mail: ____________________

Regarding Baby Bamboo Operation, I would like to …
Have further information     
Participate in a school visit
Participate in voluntary activities     
Contribute towards school construction
Make a scholarship donation     
Make a prize donation

For further enquiries, please contact Mr. Cheng of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Alumni Office.
Tel: 2609 7860     Fax: 2603 6226     E-mail: alumni@cuhk.edu.hk

Tax rebates are applicable for all donations