LETTERS
2008-06-25
As one of those who wants to work as a country teacher in an impoverished school, Im very interested in the article “1KG: The joy of Giving,” which has strengthened my resolve. It is a pity that children in remote regions desperately need assistance to meet their basic needs. But what is most important is that they thirst for knowledge. As to the first problem, I believe that anyone, whether rich or poor, can do something affordable for the less well-off. We can donate money or clothes. But the second problem is just as essential, and it is much more complicated to overcome. These children have few extracurricular reading materials, not to mention ways of keeping up with the outside world, so the real problem is a lack of innovative ideas and access to the latest information. Recently, I come up with the idea of “one college student helping one child.” I believe it would be effective and efficient. For example, undergraduates can donate their used books to poor children, and can pass along news of the countrys latest achievements in sports, education, politics, economics and foreign relations by calling or writing them letters. As long as the undergraduates and the children keep in touch, the children will benefit from a great improvement in their studies and lives. It is our undergraduates who should take up this responsibility for them.
Liu Yan
Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
Migrant workers have long been a phenomenon in China. But it is not until recently that we urbanites have come to understand that this group, rugged, scruffy men and women with a myriad of accents, has been providing almost all of the services that we cannot live without in our daily lives. They deserve respect and fair treatment, because people are born equal. It is such a hurtful fact that some people in this country have fewer opportunities and benefits simply because they were born to farmer parents. Now, change is underway. The government, both central and local, has launched a number of policies to make the lives of migrant workers easier and more secure. Non-governmental groups also carry out a good many activities and programs to help migrant workers and their families. Even more important is the change in urban residents attitudes. But there is a great deal left to be done before people no longer identify themselves as urbanites and country dwellers.
Fang Xin
Tongcheng, Anhui, China
As a student of politics, I was delighted to read about the process of Chinese democracy as described in the article “Grassroots Autonomy.” The article introduced us to the intimate details of the grassroots democratic election process, and these portraits were highly beneficial and appreciated. The article not only showed us Chinas current level of political development, but also offered those from overseas a chance to learn about democracy with Chinese characteristics -- quite helpful for communication between China and other countries. I am writing to express my appreciation, and look forward to reading more articles of this kind.
Guo Hailong
Yaan, Sichuan, China
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