2008 Annual Report - Introduction

Friends of China Foundation, Ltd., (FOC) was incorporated in 1987 primarily to facilitate the recruitment of English teachers for Chinese universities. FOC is registered in Hong Kong and has charitable status.

Although incorporated in Hong Kong, FOC recruits internationally for professionals in a variety of fields, willing to use their expertise to assist the continuing development of China with an attitude of humility and mutual respect. During 2008, FOC introduced personnel from over 15 countries located in Europe, North America, Central America, Australasia, East Asia and Africa.

As the needs of China change as a result of her rapid and continual reform and development, FOC has endeavoured from the time of its incorporation to adapt its efforts to respond to this continuum of change. FOC’s primary activities involve education, although in recent years we have, in cooperation with local and provincial governments, become involved in community development in both urban and remote areas. As new opportunities and needs arise, FOC has a strong desire to work together with local officials to assist in whatever way possible.

The primary resource of FOC is the people recruited from around the world to teach, study and work in China. The scope of the expertise represented by FOC associates continues to increase, and FOC is committed to recruit actively for experts in various fields. In addition to recruiting English teachers, during the year 2008 we have been able to:

Facilitate the supply of teachers of other subjects, both short and long term
Facilitate visits by foreign experts in various fields
Introduce students of Mandarin and minority languages
Provide short-term English teachers
Provide training programs for English teachers
Facilitate short-term Mandarin language study programs
Participate with local governments in rural community development projects, rural education projects, and urban social welfare projects.

FOC seeks to recruit personnel who not only have excellence in their profession but also excellence in their character. Every person introduced to China by FOC is given an appropriate orientation in order to prepare them for life and work in China. This orientation includes issues relating to cultural sensitivity and adaptation, language and safety. Contact is maintained with these individuals to ensure that they are adjusting and performing well.