Development

During 2004, FOC was involved in several rural community development, rural education, and poverty alleviation projects in Qinghai, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Yunnan, and Xinjiang. A variety of volunteers and foreign experts were recruited to assist resident FOC foreign experts in these projects. Of course, none of this work would have been possible without extensive cooperation and assistance from many provincial and local government officials.

Qinghai Province

Health and Sanitation Programs

FOC cooperated with related Bureaus in Zeku (泽库县) , Jianzha (尖扎县) and Hualong (化隆回族自治县) to continue our water development projects in Huang Nan prefecture (黄南州).
A composting latrine was designed and built in HongQi Village of XiBuSha Township (西卜沙乡红旗村). Health and hygiene training was also given as part of this project.
In Hualong County, a big composting latrine for the JiaJia School was designed and built in JiaJia village (加加村,加加小学). Training in basic health and hygiene was provided for 120 people in WaJia & JiaJia village as part of this project.
FOC donated funds to assist in the construction of water cisterns and other irrigation projects in Hualong County (化隆回族自治县). As part of this project, 29 people were given training on the knowledge of basic hygiene.
In the second half of 2004, FOC’s Engineering Team completed construction of a new well in HongQi Village, XiBuSha Township (西卜沙乡红旗村). Two other wells were repaired. The drilling of a third well was attempted, but failed due to cold weather.
Health screening and follow-up health training was also done by FOC physicians in Xunhua County (循化县).
During 2004, the FOC Medical Poverty Fund has assisted 10 local patients with medical expenses. These patients have been suffering from many problems including hemorrhoid surgery, cancer, amputation complications, back surgery, gallbladder removal, gastric ulcers, gallstones, DVTs, stroke, bone fractions and systemic edema. These patients were treated at several hospitals in Xining, including the Women’s and Children’s Hospital , Red Cross Hospital, #2 Hospital and the Middle Hospital. Medicines and medical equipment have also been purchased from the hospitals and various pharmacies in Xining.

Educational activity

In 2004, FOC started the Jianzha Book Club by purchasing books for middle school students and teachers to borrow so that they could improve their English language skills. A English teacher training project was also conducted at the #1 Minorities Middle School. In addition, this project purchased tape recorders and other educational materials for the school.
In the latter half of 2004, training in producing and selling wool products was done in three townships, DuoFuDun (多福顿乡), XiBuXia (西卜沙乡) and NingShou (宁守乡). In XiBuXia the leaders are currently selecting families to participate in the project. In NingShou several families have just started producing products. In DuoFuDun nomad ladies have already produced 970 bags, 130 scarves, 190 pencil cases and 80 seat pads for a total value of over 29,000 RMB, indicating that this project will have significant positive impact on the local economy.

Agricultural work

FOC’s agricultural consultant in Jianzha County (尖扎县) continued to develop agricultural improvements, in cooperation with local farmers. Several test plots resulted in gained knowledge on new possibilities for crop diversification for farmers in the county. Two test plots were planted with corn, peas, beets and radishes. Two other test fields were planted with 250 fruit trees.
In Xunhua County (循化县), an irrigation reservoir was designed and built in XiangSha village, Garang Township (尕让乡相沙村). FOC primary input was expert advice/ project management, but also included some financial investment.

Research and Development and other projects in Qinghai Province

FOC assisted in the engineering investigation and design to repair a road in upper JiaJia village, Hualong County (加加村, 化隆回族自治县)
A solar cooker project placed 32 solar cookers in the homes of needy students from the #1 and #2 Minority Middle Schools in Jianzha County. Follow up visits were made to the homes and assessments of the needs of the families in those homes.
An FOC associate has developed an inexpensive, small sized sand water filter for use in rural homes.
FOC associates have also been developing other appropriate technology for these areas in Qinghai Province. These projects include design of an energy efficient model home that takes cultural values into consideration, and feasibility studies for affordable, cost effective wind power. A design for a zero till seeder is also being developed which uses modified, locally available equipment. Research trips which included local employees to other parts of China have also taken place. These trips have resulted in excellent potential for other projects and sources for materials such as seeds and equipment.

Sichuan Province

Support of the Chengdu Children's Welfare Institute Foster Care Program

An FOC associate has provided consulting for the Chengdu Children's Welfare Institute Foster Care Program and has developed a computerized record keeping and management information system for the project. Interest in making use of the in the computer system in other parts of China has been expressed by the China Social Work Association. An end of year international evaluation team, including child care experts from the UK, US, Beijing and Shanghai, affirmed the success of the project and its national value.

Medical Projects Following Up on Ultrasound Equipment Donation

During 2003 FOC participated in the donation of ultrasound equipment for the early diagnosis of Hydatids Disease to two hospitals in Sichuan’s Ganzi Prefecture. In 2004 an FOC associate took part in a follow up medical team that worked with one of those hospitals to provide free Hydatids clinics for people living in poorer remote mountain villages. FOC also arranged a grant for the purchase of medicines to be distributed free for the early treatment of the disease. This grant was ultimately not used since the pharmaceutical company agreed to provide the needed medicines free of charge.

Shaanxi Province

upport for orphans in Hanzhong

In cooperation with the English Language Association (ELA), FOC has two medical professionals working in the ELA operated orphanage in Hanzhong. FOC also contributed funds for surgical operations on orphans in the orphanage.

Yunnan Province

Training for Dental professionals

In cooperation with Project Grace, an FOC associate has conducted a dental project, where she has trained local trainers, who will then give training to village doctors.

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Agricultural project in Yopurgha County (岳普湖县)

In cooperation with Operation Mercy, a long-term agricultural development project has been initiated in Yopurgha outside Kashgar. This project seeks to facilitate training and to establish improvements in methods and techniques to support the arable and pastoral agriculture in this underdeveloped area.

FOC plans to continue expanding its development and educational programs in all of these provinces over the next year. These successful programs have come from much hard work on the part of FOC associates, government departments at all levels and the local people themselves.