visit to Guiyang North Catholic Church 贵阳北天主教堂, Aug 2013, from left: Jack, Cecilia, Ray, Berte,
see larger image at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/9567521478/sizes/k/in/photostream/
Church built in 1875. Has a seminary training young Chinese priests. Mass every Sunday at 9:00 am, 7:00 pm. Address: 云岩区陕西路166号天主教堂 No. 166 Shaanxi West Rd, near Youyi Road.
‘North’ Catholic Church in Guiyang 贵阳北天主教堂 in the late 1800 (built in 1875),
and today, including the church’s location on a map
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Other Catholic-related Guiyang topics:
book about a Catholic Saint from Guizhou:
St. Agnes Tsao Kou Ying – Christian Martyrs, People from Guizhou
Saint Agnes Tsao Kou Ying (also Saint Agnes Tsao Kouying or Saint Agnes Kouying Tsao) was a Chinese martyr saint who was martyred for preaching the Gospel to the Chinese in Guangxi. Like most other Chinese Martyrs, she was a layperson, not a member of the clergy. Agnes Tsao Kou Ying was born in the small village of Wujiazhai in Guizhou Province in 1821. Her family was a traditional Catholic family originally from Sichuan Province. Agnes later left her hometown to work in the city of Xingyi after he parents died. There, she met a Catholic woman who let her live with her. Soon, Bishop Bai came to visit Xingyi, and found out that she was without family so he took her to the local parish to learn more about Christianity. Being clever and quick, Agnes learned very quickly from the Bishop.
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9786139259946
Publisher: StaPress
Publication date: 1/1/2012
Pages: 96
Product dimensions: 0.23 (w) x 6.00 (h) x 9.00 (d)
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Saint Agnes Tsao Kou Ying (also Saint Agnes Tsao Kouying or Saint Agnes Kouying Tsao) was a Chinese martyr saint who was martyred for preaching the Gospel to the Chinese in Guangxi. Like most other Chinese Martyrs, she was a layperson, not a member of the clergy.
Early life
Agnes Tsao Kou Ying was born in the small village of Wujiazhai in Guizhou Province in 1821. Her family was a traditional Catholic family originally from Sichuan Province. Agnes later left her hometown to work in the city of Xingyi after her parents died. There, she met a Catholic woman who let her live with her. Soon, Bishop Bai came to visit Xingyi, and found out that she was without family so he took her to the local parish to learn more about Christianity. Being clever and quick, Agnes learned very quickly from the Bishop.
When Agnes became eighteen, she married a local farmer, but her brother and sister-in-law treated her as an outsider (for she was Christian), and did not consider her a part of the family. Therefore, Agnes was left with nothing to eat. Things became worse for Agnes when her husband died two years later and she was driven out of the house. In order to support herself, she took odd jobs as a helper. Then a pious Catholic widow invited Agnes to stay with her. Being a kind and generous woman, she loved to help others. She also had a good understanding of the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church. Whenever a priest visited them this widow received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. With such an example before her, Agnes was able to cultivate her own spirituality.
Missionary work
One day, when Fr. Ma (Auguste Chapdelaine) was in town, he discovered how well Agnes knew the faith and asked her to move toGuangxi Province for some missionary work, especially for teaching the Catholic faith to some 30-40 Catholic families living there (Catholics were very few in those days). In 1852, she went out to the town of Baijiazhai in Xilan County and made it her preaching headquarters, teaching the Catholic faith to places all over Guangxi. She also taught the native Chinese how to cook and manage a household. During her spare time, Agnes even helped people babysit.
Arrest and execution
One day, however, when she was helping out in Yaoshan, Guangxi (near present-day Guilin, Guizhou) in 1856, the local government decided to take some measures against the Christians living in that area. Agnes was taken into custody along with many other Catholics, but they were soon released; only Agnes and Father Ma had to stay in prison. Father Ma later died in prison. The county magistrate tried to persuade Agnes to deny her faith under the promise that if she did, she would be released. However, Agnes was unmoved. Then the magistrate threatened torture, but she showed no fear. Finally, on January 22, the magistrate decided on her punishment. He had her locked in a cage so small that she could only stand up, but her spirit never failed. She prayed repeatedly, “God, have mercy on me; Jesus save me!” Then, on January 25, she cried in a loud voice: “God, help me!” and died.
Beatification and canonization
Pope Leo XIII proclaimed her “Blessed” on May 27, 1900, and Pope John Paul II canonized her as a Martyr-Saint on October 1, 2000.
Notes
There is a Chinese Catholic church in Markham, Ontario named after her. Today, she is one of the few canonized Chinese Catholic martyrs.
References
•Catholic Online. “Bl. Agnes Tsao-Kouying.” Catholic Online. 2009. Catholic Online. 21 March 2009. .
•Saint Agnes Kouying Tsao Catholic Church. “Our Patron Saint – Saint Agnes Tsao Kou Ying.” Saint Agnes Kouying Tsao Catholic Church. 2006. Saint Agnes Kouying Tsao Catholic Church. 21 March 2009. .
Chinahands – The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in China, photo includes young Catholics from Guizhou
Maryknoll
Maryknoll was established in 1911 as the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America by the Bishops of the United States. Responsibility for its development fell to two diocesan priests, Fr. James Anthony Walsh of Boston and Fr. Thomas Frederick Price of North Carolina, with the commission to recruit, send and support U.S. missioners in areas around the world. On June 29, 1911, Pope Pius X blessed the founding of Maryknoll. Maryknoll’s first missioners left for China in 1918. Today there are over 450 Maryknoll priests and Brothers serving in countries around the world, principally in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Mission of the Maryknoll China Teachers Program (MCTP)August 2013 marked the 15-year anniversary of the Maryknoll China Teachers Program. The program has expanded and evolved since 1998 when it placed the first two teachers at Zhanjiang Normal University in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province. Over the last 15 years the China Teachers Program has recruited more than 400 teachers from all over the United States. In all, Maryknoll teachers have worked in twenty-seven different Chinese universities spread all over China.
Since its inception, the program has strived to make a difference in the lives of Chinese students. We work hard to attract young Catholics to join us in this important part of our China work. We provide training for our teachers at our facilities in Hong Kong, so that when they arrive at the Chinese Universities, not only are they prepared to teach ESL, but they are able to thrive in their new environment. We expect our teachers to make a difference in the lives of their students
We choose only the most highly motivated, creative, passionate, dedicated, and caring individuals for our program. We look for Catholic teachers who are not only want to teach English in China, but also who have a deep passion for learning about the Chinese culture, and sharing their faith. We provide extensive background checks on all of our teachers and seek out honest, moral, and compassionate individuals who have a true heart for service. We expect our teachers to act as cultural ambassadors in the schools and cities where they teach.
The Maryknoll China Teachers Program exists to provide a service to the Chinese people. It is our belief that the exchange of ideas and culture between teachers and students is one of the most important gifts that we can give to the people of China. Not only will the Chinese students benefit from this service, but we believe that out teachers will grow as human beings as well. Serving the Chinese students with our hearts and souls is also the mission of the Teachers Program. We have been serving China in this way for the last dozen years, and we hope to continue this mission for many years to come. Join us today!
Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
44 Stanley Village Road
Stanley, Hong Kong, SAR
Phone: (852) 2813-0357
Fax: (852) 2813-7221mklhkg@netvigator.com
FAQ
What are the basic requirements for ESL teachers in China?
ESL teachers must have a Bachelor’s Degree, be over 21 years of age and not over 60 years of age. If you have TEFL,TESOL or CELTA certificate and some teaching experiece, it is very important for Universities in China. Many local universities offer such a program. If you have two years of experience teaching, this is a real plus.
What type of accommodation is provided at the university?
The Chinese institution is responsible for housing. This can be in an apartment, a furnished dormitory or small, single rooms. Single rooms are usually rudimentarily furnished, heated and air-conditioned (depending on location) with a private bathroom. They are usually in a foreign housing complex on the campus. Simple cooking facilities are generally available (there may be a microwave but not an oven); the institutions’ dining halls are open to all faculty.How do I get paid? How often? Can I get an advance when I arrive?
Your salary is determined by the host institution, based upon your academic background, work experience and other factors. Salary is paid monthly, and the host institution will give you an advance when you arrive.
Foreign teachers generally receive a salary of 4000 Chinese Yuan per month. The exchange rate in China fluctuates. Currently 1 USD = approx. 6.45Yuan. You should estimate a salary that is the equivalent of US$ 600 per month.
Your salary is adequate for buying food and other necessities in China. Extensive travel requires additional funds that you must bring with you into China. Your housing and basic medical care are provided by the host institution.
What is the level of English of the students?
The level of English varies with each student. Most have basic reading and writing skills but need remedial work with speaking/conversational English. Chinese students usually begin studying the English language in junior high school. They will have several years of English knowledge by the time they reach the university level.
What subjects will I teach?
You probably will teach any combination of English speaking, listening, writing, reading, film and contemporary American culture. If you are qualified, you may teach literature, business or communication. Foreign teachers may be asked to advise students on their theses and dissertations. English grammar classes are not usually taught by foreign teachers. Each teacher is responsible for the classes assigned to him/her.
Are teaching materials provided or should I bring my own?
Although textbooks are usually provided, you will want supplementary materials as well. Some stories, pictures, maps, snapshots of your family and American life and games are useful. You can find many teaching apps. on the Internet. Teaching conditions in China are quite basic, and require a great deal of flexibility on the part of the teacher.
How many hours of teaching are required per week?
You will be asked to teach up to 16 hours with students, exclusive of preparation, grading, office hours or other activities that may be required by your host institution.Are classrooms in China different from those in the US?
Yes. In most cases, classrooms in China are pretty rudimentary in their facilities. Having said that, all schools have at least one classroom with a PP projection screen for use by all the teachers, but you will need to reserve this room in advance. Most likely you will have a blackboard or whiteboard (w/markers).
How large is the class size?
The class size varies between 30 and 50 students, sometimes more.
Do I have any other duties than teaching?
Foreign teachers are often asked to participate regularly in the English Corner, an extra-curricular group of motivated members of the college at large who wish to improve their language. The atmosphere is slightly less formal. It is possible that you may be asked to substitute for another foreign teacher. There are also occasionally opportunities to judge English speaking/talent competitions held on campus.Can I teach for longer than a year?
Yes, you can. Although the initial commitment is for two semesters, you may negotiate with your host institution to extend the contract. However, please notify us in advance before you begin negotiations.Who am I responsible to at the College/University in China?
The waiban (Directors of the Foreign Affairs Office) is the person with whom you interact. As a foreign teacher you come primarily under the Foreign Affairs Department. They in turn work with the English Department and other departments to sort out details of accommodation, teaching hours and duties. If you encounter any problems on campus, the waiban is the person you need to speak to.
Is there time for travel in China?
There is usually a Spring Break in January/ February coinciding with the Lunar New Year. This lasts approximately 4 weeks and is a paid vacation. In addition, the Chinese National Holidays are October 1 (National Day), May 1 (International Labor Day) and January 1 (International New Year). Chinese institutions often make arrangements for you to have a day off for Christmas.
What transportation needs will I have?
Usually your accommodation will be within walking distance from your classes. However, most foreign teachers and experts purchase a bicycle while they are in China (these usually cost between USD10-50). In addition, there are plenty of buses and taxis.
Can I bring and use a laptop computer and use Internet and email connections?
You can, of course, bring your own personal portable computer but repair and maintenance can sometimes be a challenge. There are some restrictions on the use of the internet, but hooking up to a local server and sending and receiving email is possible.How many other foreign teachers does the university employ?
This depends on the institution. Some colleges have two foreigners; others have five or six. This is dependent on the number of students who are English majors.
Are there any restrictions placed on the teachers regarding topics for discussion with the students?
It is not so much the topic of discussion that matters, but rather the sensitive handling of comments and views. A good deal depends on how well you know the individuals concerned and considering how they would react to a difference of opinion and view.
Is there any restriction on practicing one’s religion in China?
Personally, no. In fact, religious affiliations of foreigners are protected.
During my stint in China, what happens to the student loan that I have taken?
Maryknoll China Teachers Program will write a letter to the loan company to defer your loan payment. Simply give us the name and address of the loan company and the name of the official to whom this letter has to be addressed to. Note: Most volunteers have this letter sent out once they have started teaching in China – either in the middle of the academic year or toward the end.
email: chinabur@shu.edu
Association for International Teaching, Educational and Curriculum Exchange (AITECE) Teaching Program
The U.S. Catholic China Bureau serves as the North American liaison office for AITECE (Association for International Teaching, Educational and Curriculum Exchange). AITECE is an independent, non-profit organization organized and run by the Columban Fathers and is registered in both Hong Kong and China. USCCB recruits, screens and facilitates qualified persons to serve in China’s tertiary educational institutions as foreign experts or tutors in TOEFL [English as a second language] and/or as teachers in other selected disciplines; e.g., business, social work, sciences, technology, etc. The goal of AITECE is to contribute to the modernization of China through the exchange of personnel and to promote international understanding and friendship through professional service and Christian witness.
Since its founding in 1988, AITECE has sponsored 250 foreign experts and teachers who have worked in over 30 institutes of higher learning in many provinces and major cities in China.
AITECE negotiates minimum one-year contracts with preference for extended service. Living allowance is provided by the designated Chinese institute, with free accommodation inside the university. Orientation is provided, along with assistance during the term of service in China, through mediation with institute authorities and advice on practical problems. In addition, candidates can rely on the support of like-minded people involved in similar work. Return (and sometimes outbound) travel is provided after one year of service.
Contact [301-565-4547] if you are interested. See AITECE site for more information.Maryknoll China Service Project – China Volunteer Teachers Program
The Maryknoll Hong Kong Region began the China Volunteer Teachers Program to facilitate placement of committed and competent Christian teachers in China as a service to the Chinese people and the Chinese Church. Placement is generally in a university. Maryknoll Hong Kong supports teachers through its members already teaching in China. Maryknoll members have worked in China since 1917. Year long and summer placements are available.
For more information contact: Coordinator, China Volunteer Teachers Program; 44 Stanley Village Road; Stanley, Hong Kong. See Maryknoll China Teachers Program for more information.New China Link
New China Link (NCL) is a volunteer service agency for rural China (specifically for the SW province of Guizhou, one of China’s poorest regions), founded by a former volunteer teacher in the Columban Fathers’ AITECE Program (Association for International Teaching, Educational and Curriculum Exchange). NCL offers a new way to spirituality and vocation without vows and institutional commitment and stresses the importance of a system of aid of Asians-for-Asia, bringing together people from rich and poor nations. Examples of NCL work include projects for water supply, middle school health education, school building, simple housing and local empowerment.
E-mail: newchinalink@yahoo.com
Service OpportunitiesTeach in China:
Association for International Teaching, Educational and Curriculum Exchange (AITECE).Please contact:
AITECE
Amy Woolam Echerrivia
Columban Advocacy and Outreach Office.
1320 Fenwick Lane, Ste.405
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Tel: 301-565-4547
Fax: 301-565-4549Serve in China:
New China LinkSee below for more details:
E-mail: chaotai@gmail.com
Guizhou Rose Charitable Society 2010 Update.
Dear Friends:
We have the pleasure of updating you on the various projects we have done in Guizhou this year.
You may recall, Guizhou was hit with natural disasters several times this year. At the beginning, it was
a severe drought, causing loss of farm animals and crops. Then it was hit with floods followed by
landslides and loss of lives and properties. The people of Guizhou had a specially hard time this year.
During the crisis, we managed, with the help of our donors and support groups, to raise enough
money in one year to build 5 water projects at an average cost of only about $6000 per project, with
long term benefits to numerous poor families. This is the highlight of the year 2010. Other projects are
as listed below:
A Medical Mission:
I. Medical exchange in Zhenning 鎮宁 county hospital. (2007)
II. Built 3 village medical clinics. (2008)
III. Free medical clinic in 打洞村 village in Guizhou. (2009)
a) provided free medical services and medications to villagers
b) distributed warm clothing and shoes to children.
IV. Free medical and dental clinics in 甲定 & 高坡 villages (23 & 24/10/2010)
(a) provided free medical/dental services and medications to villagers
(b)donated blankets and rice to the poorest families.
B. English teaching mission:
V. English teaching in Guiyang city. (2009). The first teaching was conducted by Irene Tan, a
volunteer from Singapore. We hope to be able to expand this mission to reach out especially to young
people in the future.
C. Village development mission: (in partnership with the Asia-Bridge Development Agency ABDA
of Fr. Matthew Carpenter)
VI. Housing project: in Jianpo village. 尖坡（completed 2008）
VII. Water projects: We have completed 7 water projects with the help of support groups in
Singapore.
1. Pianpo 偏坡,( 2009)
2. Si Da Zhai School 四大寨小學.(2009)
3. Nonchang 農場, (2010)
4.Tangtou 塘頭. (2010)
5. Sha Ba 沙埧. (2010)
6. Xiao Niu Chang School 小牛場小學. (2010)
7. Tianba 田埧. (2010)
D. Education mission:
VIII. Anlong High School 安龍中學(the only high school run by the Catholic Church in China.)
Built an activity platform (completed 2009)
(from
wykontario.org/wykaao_doc/documents/Guizhou%20Rose%20Soci… )
Guizhou Rose Charitable Society
charity logo Avatar-shine-128
Follow Charity
(A) Village development (Infrastructure): (1) Total of 10 water projects undertaken this fiscal year (2) One farm machinery project (3) 1 house building project (B) Medical & health: (4) Guizhou 2 village clinics (5) Shaanxi 5 village clinics (6) Medical aid to 3 sick patient
11010 101 Street 610 Hys Centre, Edmonton AB, T5H4B9
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My Week in Guizhou Province, China (Part I)__Vincent Lee (65)
Print Email DETAILS CREATED ON FRIDAY, 04 FEBRUARY 2011 16:55
My Week in Guizhou Province, China Oct. 2010Part I: The Medical Mission – with the Guizhou Rose Society of EdmontonA typical day of “free clinic” to a village named Goa-Bor (高坡), about 1.5 to 2 hours by car going uphill. I was told the village is located at the highest elevation (~1500 meters) within a 4 to 5 hour (travel distance) radius of Guiyang. Here are some highlights of the day in point form:- Arrived Quiyang from Chengsha the night before (after ~2 weeks touring Southeast China (江南) and Zhangjiajie (張家界). Was picked up by the Guiyang bishop’s driver at 7am and taken to Goa-Bor village; arrived at around 8:40AM.
– Met up with Dr. Tai and the physician and nurses from Singapore. Met Guiyang’s bishop, a friendly man, very supportive of all aspects of our work. They rounded up about 13 or 14 Catholic doctors from Guiyang’s hospitals and clinics, with Dr. Tai, the doctor from Singapore and myself, we had about 16 doctors from all disciplines; neurologist, paediatrician, gynaecologist, internists, general and orthopaedic surgeons, ophthalmologist….., a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician-herbalist, acupuncturist, and a TCM-massage therapist. I was the only dentist. The entire group is made up of over 30 personnel including laboratory technicians, pharmacists, a few priests and nuns (to help guide patients where to go and whom to see).
– The “open clinic” site was a large concrete pad in front of the local village health station. When I arrived, most doctors and volunteer workers were already there – some busily putting up the big “free clinic” poster-sign and banner, others carrying furniture (tables and desks from a nearby school) to set up the clinic benches. I was allotted a desk space at one end of the long clinic bench, behind me was a post where I could hang up a poster of dental and head/neck anatomy. I also brought a big model of teeth and a matching tooth brush that my hygienist and I used to teach kids how to brush at the office. The mission group brought for me big boxes and boxes of Oral-B toothbrushes and Colgate toothpaste to be given away.
– I was told there was not too much of “pre-advertizing” of the free clinic other than by word of mouth. At first, there were only a few curious villagers standing around watching, drawn by the poster-banner saying something like “Welcome to the free medical clinic at Goa-Bor Village ……sponsored by the Guizhou Catholic Church…..” (歡迎貴州天主教愛心義診活動在高坡鄉開展), The poster also bears the emblem of a large pink rose, representing the “Guizhou Rose Society of Edmonton, Canada”. Within an hour of our opening shop, we had a sizable crowd milling around, asking questions, and we had a line-up at the registration desk.
– The way it worked: We had many school tables forming an “L-shape” bench, with a short arm and a much longer arm. At one end (the “beginning”) of the short arm was the “Inquiry and Registration” Desk; villagers who wanted help would fill out a Registration Form. Next to it were a number of nurses who spoke with the registrants to decide which doctor or doctors (specialties) they would/should see – acting like a “triage” desk.
These nurses would also take the patients’ vital signs (blood pressure, pulse…etc). Then they go to the long arm of the “L” shape bench to look for their assigned consultant(s) – but before they do that, I think they were all directed to the Hematology desk to get their blood typed and screened for diabetes. Most, if not all of them, were also directed to my desk after they consulted with the respective specialists, to get their teeth looked at if there were specific problems, or just to get some oral hygiene instructions and a tooth brush and a tube of tooth taste. I also saw lots of children (and adults) who did not go through the line-ups – who just wanted their teeth checked and got the freebies.
(e.g. A young mother with a 3-yr old child: major complaints: headaches, some gynae. problems, child had a rash and runny nose…… They would go through the blood pressure desk, the blood screening desk, see the neurologist, gynaecologist, paediatrician and probably end up in front of me to get the kid’s teeth looked at for development and caries, and the mom’s mouth too.)
If they required medications, prescriptions would be written on their Registration-Consultation Form, and they would go the Pharmacy Desk at the far end of the bench to pick up their free drugs.- At another location, they set up an actual “bed” for acupuncture and massage therapy. I saw (mostly) older folks with crutches and limps being treated there all day.- There were close to 400 villagers seen that day, according to “Registration Desk” numbers – probably very close to the number of tooth brush/tooth paste sets I (and my helpers) gave away by the end of the day.
We had a brief lunch break – the villagers insisted they would provide us with a bowl of hot soup and rice with preserved vegetables; very nice indeed.Highlights of my day:- It was my first ever such “mission”, so I had no idea of what would be involved. After seeing a bunch of little kids, checking their teeth and showing them the basics of oral hygiene, three of them were hovering around my desk, asking if they could hang around to help out. I gladly agreed. Two little girls, age 10, 11 (grades 4 & 5), one on each side of me, with one holding a flashlight, the other peeking into our patients’ mouths……, and the little boy (about 10) running around gathering tooth brushes and tooth pastes — we were a lively team for the rest of the day. These kids learned FAST! After about six, seven patients, the girls were able to point out “cavity” in other kids’ (and adults’) teeth when they saw them! When I gave oral hygiene instructions with my broken Mandarin, they both corrected my Mandarin mispronunciations (like instant replay, in stereo!) – e.g. I was saying Yar-Char (Cantonese-nized Mandarin) for Yar-Shoar (tooth brush), and they yelled out the correct Mandarin and laughed…..! Eventually I gave up; I showed and taught them how to teach other kids to brush properly using the large models, and they took over – saved me a lot of talking!- Then came the hard part: At the end of the day when I was packing up, one of these little girls, the 11-yr old started to cry. I asked her, “Why are you crying?” (“你為什麽哭?”). She said, “….You are leaving… so soon”, and added “Are you coming back next year?” Almost without thinking, I was up to the tip of my tongue in saying “Yes, I will….”; then I caught myself, thinking – if I say ‘yes’, and for whatever reason I can’t come back next year, this little girl will be so disappointed. I had to change my tune and told her “If I can, if I can, I will ….., and you will be in grade 6 then….” I hope we are coming back to this same village next year!
– After thoughts: I’ve heard from other dentists who go on missions in many other parts of the world including northwest China that the bulk of their work in remote villages has to do with infection control and emergency extractions to relieve pain. Interesting thing about these villagers, their main problem was actually not pain or acute infections. Their main problem was gum disease (or periodontitis), with tons of plaque and calculus. There was certainly a fair share of cavities, but no acute abscesses. There was almost universal occlusal abrasion in the older adults, with very little mobility. It may have to do with their diet, consisting of mainly coarse fibrous food and very little sweets. If I had the equipment and had to extract teeth, I would only have to extract 4 in 4 separate individuals, all older villagers, due to mobility and advance periodontal involvement. None of them were in acute pain, probably because these sites were self draining (no pressure build up). I put them on a course of antibiotics and pain killers, and told them these teeth would have to be taken out by a dentist if they hurt badly or if they gum/face swelled up. Truth is, they would eventually become so mobile that they would fall out on their own.
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My Week in Guizhou Province, China (Part II)__Vincent Lee (65)
Print Email DETAILS CREATED ON THURSDAY, 30 DECEMBER 2010 23:30
Part II: The Water Projects – with the Guizhou Rose Society of EdmontonIn the initial stages of Dr. Tai’s efforts to help the village people in Guizhou, he ran into considerable amount of difficulties in terms of finding the “right” people to help do the work; making trustworthy contacts, setting priorities…. and so on. Sad to say, there is still quite a bit of corruption going on. E.g.: In one instance, Dr. Tai was taken in by titled mid-level provincial “officials” who met him ostensibly to “represent and promote” the best interests of the villagers and townfolks, but at the end of the day, they lined their own pockets with donated money from the Guizhou Rose Society. Fortunately, after all that disappointment, Dr. Tai was able to connect up with Matt, who has been working in the Guiyang area for the past 44 years – an amazing gentleman, 75 and looks like 65(!), and walks fast! Now together with other local church contacts, they work together well. What I am describing is the fruits of their hard work.Last year, Dr. Tai and Matt and his young assistant,Tom, visited several villages in the hills within few hours drive from Guiyang. What they found was almost universal in these villages. They are usually located in mid-hill, with a single road going in/out, with electricity but no (piped-in) clean water. Everyday, kids would carry two buckets, walk down narrow paths in the sometimes steep hills to get to the bottom of the valley where there is usually a little river or stream to get water. These paths can become slippery in the rain. By the time they get back up, half of the water is spilled, and the remaining half is muddy. I’d imagine they probably have to do this several times a day.
We don’t normal think of it in the west, we turn the tap on and it’s there! Clean water is the life line to decent living; not only essential for cooking and drinking, but for personal hygiene. Physicians from Guiyang would tell you that it is very difficult to treat and control infections (e.g. of the skin) in these villagers, because they (e.g. husband and wife, kids…) would “reinfect” each other due to lack of (water for) hygiene. The gentlemen saw this need, and they decided the Rose Society would do something to help. Here’s what they did.- Through church contacts in Guiyang, they found a young civil engineer perishioner willing and eager to provide volunteer help. This fellow (I met at a dinner) designed everything, made contacts for purchasing materials, lined up local labour….., and kept an eye on everything. All water project designs are all similar – to keep it simple. This is what I saw.
– In this village we visited (inspected the finished work), they drilled a deep well into the water table and installed an electric pump; all enclosed in a small concrete hut – the “pump house”. An another spot near the top of the hill above the village, they built a concrete “water cube” reservoir – six-inch walls – with an intake tube near the top, outflow valve at the botton, and a manhole on the roof so you can open and check the water. They also run a PVC pipe from a water source way upstream in the river to collect clean water to the pump house. The two sources of water would keep the pump(?) in the pump house to get the water uphill to the “water cube”.
– The pumps are regulated to keep the water cube ~90% full at all times – which is enough to supply the village for a full week’s use. The rest is done by gravity: PVC tubes are run from the reservoir to the front door of each house in the village below – a grey PVC tube sticking out with a small regulater and a tap. The area does not freeze up in winter, tubes are simply embedded in concrete running along exterior walls of buildings.
– As our vehicles (3 together) approached the village in the morning on the only road going in/out, we heard out of the blue loud “bang-bang…” noises. The villagers lit up a long string of fire crackers and firework to welcome our party. We were led by the village leaders to a concrete plaque erected near the entrance to the village to recognize/commenmorate the help from the Rose Society in providing clean running water to the village (see photos in the link below). Dr. Tai and Matt had no prior knowledge of this; they were totally and pleasantly surprised by the villagers’ hospitality. I, of course, had nothing to do with all these, and just went along for the ride to share the “fruits” of their labour in love!
– We were first shown the small “pump house” and its operation. We then climbed up a fairly steep mud/rocky path to look at the “water cube” reservoir, capacity 110 cubic meters near the top of the hill.
– We got another unexpected surprise after we entered the village. As we approached the first house to look at the water pipe installation, an old man about age 85 carrying a baby girl on his back (grand or great-grand daughter?), holding the little hand of a ~3-4 year old little girl on his right, dashed out of the house. As soon as he saw Matt and Dr. Tai, he yelled out at the top of his lungs: “Thank you grandpas for bring us clean drinking water…..” , and he was going to make the little girl kneel to us! Matt rushed forward and said: “Oh, no, no, no……you don’t kneel to us….!” in amazingly perfect Mandarin. It was a scene that could bring tears to your eyes if you were there!. This old gentleman, owner of the hourse, for ~85 years living in this village, had never seen such clean running water. You can tell from his face, his smile and his voice how much he appreciated that water tap at the front of his door. Water had been running in this village for a couple of months before our visit.
– And here is the amazing fact: For all this work: the pumps, pump house, the drilling of the water well, the water cube, and all the pipings and detail water works, all cost only approximately 1000 dollars Canadian! And here we are, in Edmonton, debating how many hundreds of millions we want to spend building a second new sports arena downtown……..! We do live in a different world, don’t we!
– Truth is, through Matt, his assistant Tom, and the young Quiyang engineer, they were able to get their materials directly from source suppliers for rock bottom prices. All the labour was free – donated by workers in the village. I didn’t ask for details as I was an “outsider” for this project, but I overheard that they even managed to get the electric company to provide juice to run the pumps for free for so long, than at much reduced rate thereafter. I was told this is “rare” in China; I’d say it is rare anywhere. The Rose Society sponsored such water projects for three villages for this year. We are planning similar installations for next year.
