Currently there are 61 million children who are not taken care of the way it should be. Most of these children live in the care of grandparents, family or strangers or even have to take care of themselves. There is hardly time for education. Due to this lack of care many are attracted to criminality or fall victim to misuse or sexual exploitation. To them personal issues are more important than any social or society value. Children in country side have to face depression as an issue. Many children do not feel they are only left behind, most feel neglected, forgotten and even abandoned. A suicidal vision becomes reality.
After 2020 the aging balance of China is disturbed and over 20% of the population is at pension age. 61 million growing up workers is a significant number which can play a vital role in the economic and social system.
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China left behind children program vers maart 2016
1. 1
Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
PROJECT
Never left over
Even when left behind
2. 2
Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
PROPOSED Content
Introduction of the project
The initiative
The importance of the project
Preface of the project
Why Martial Arts / Muay Thai?
What is a camp?
Future vision?
The organization, the Force One Foundation
Official Chinese participation
Foreign participation
Media
One nation one language
Why foreigners need to be involved
Participation of elderly
Building a community in camp situation
Insurance
Volunteer work
Additional information
Hukou system
Crime in countryside
4. 4
Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Introduction of the project
China is the number two economic in the world. Countryside and cities are divided. Countryside
economics is bad, living there is often equal to poverty and lack of materials. First is the eager
for a better live and luxury pulls many towards the cities. Second is the hang to traditional
standards in countryside and the will to accept change. Countryside lacks on infrastructure,
education and development. The hukou system prevented most people from moving to the
cities.
The cities are attractive for income and future plans. Young people are drawn to it on illusive
grounds. They leave their families behind unfamiliar with the problems they face in the cities.
After arrival they have to start at the bottom of society and only few are able to make enough
money to cover personal expenses and safe money to send home. The left behind children
are suffering of this situation. Lack of care, money, social and moral guidance have a negative
impact in growing up. Children need love, care and shelter to mature. This children hardly get
any of this.
The plan we offer is the “Left behind Children” plan (Never left over, even when left behind) is;
Set up of small communities,
Child and young adult education, use of new educational and
Physical training techniques,
Develop strong sense of local pride to continue developing the countryside.
The target of this project is to strengthen self-awareness of the countryside, develop pride and
attachment to the living area and understanding of future importance and role.
The initiative
This project initiative comes from Arnaud van der
Veere. Who is he?
Arnaud van der Veere is now a middle aged man with
a family and three grown up children still active as
entrepreneur, sportsman / trainer, writer and socially
engaged personality.
Why did he starts this initiative?
At a very young age Arnaud became interested in the
Chinese culture. His “study” of the culture in the library of The Hague became the root for his
mental and physical development.
At age 19 he did open his first gym in a church to assist the local community by diminishing
crime and bad behavior.
At 22 he was requested to write his first book by late Rien Thoutenhooft. His connection with
China became more clear with the publication of different books in Chinese about Chinese
social topics with the major publishers like PMPH and CPG where he was one of the first
foreigner under direct contract.
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Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Why the project “Left behind children” ?
His intention is to set up communities to protect these children from harm’s way and assist to
set a better life .
The importance of this project
Currently there are 61 million children who are not taken care of the way it should be. Most of
these children live in the care of grandparents, family or strangers or even have to take care
of themselves. There is hardly time for education. Due to this lack of care many are attracted
to criminality or fall victim to misuse or sexual exploitation. To them personal issues are more
important than any social or society value. Children in country side have to face depression
as an issue. Many children do not feel they are only left behind, most feel neglected,
forgotten and even abandoned. A suicidal vision becomes reality.
After 2020 the aging balance of China is disturbed and over 20% of the population is at
pension age. 61 million growing up workers is a significant number which can play a vital role
in the economic and social system.
6. 6
Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Descriptive
statistics
Mean value or % Return migrants On-going migrants Mean test Full sample
Age (years) 40.20 29.65 *** 34.29
Age at first
migration (years)
26.37 22.29 *** 24.08
Female 0.416 0.415 NS 0.415
Married 0.888 0.591 *** 0.722
Education
(years)
5.888 7.434 *** 6.754
Household size 4.256 5.006 *** 4.676
Migrant spouse 0.600 0.465 ** 0.525
At least a
member above
70
0.176 0.170 NS 0.173
At least a
member aged 55
to 70
0.376 0.560 *** 0.479
Children-related
variables
At least one child
(<16)
0.472 0.522 NS 0.500
At least one child
(12–15)
0.184 0.101 ** 0.137
Son (12–15) 0.120 0.050 ** 0.081
Daughter (12–
15)
0.088 0.057 NS 0.070
At least one child
(6–11)
0.176 0.264 ** 0.225
Son (6–11) 0.080 0.201 *** 0.148
Daughter (6–11) 0.120 0.113 NS 0.116
At least one child
(<6)
0.216 0.321 ** 0.275
Son (<6) 0.120 0.151 NS 0.137
Daughter (<6) 0.112 0.170 * 0.144
Sample size 125 159 284
Source: Wuwei 2008 Survey.
7. 7
Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Preface of the project
This plan offers a community
based on the philosophy of good
shelter and care. The plan is
different from others as it is based
on a proven Asian (Thailand)
concept that has been functioning
for decades. Our model is the
training camp of Muay Thai. These
camps offer children and adults of
different ages shelter, discipline,
stability, care and love that is
needed for their development. The
writer of this plan have felt the
family feeling of the camp. The
original camp idea must be adjusted to suit each local project in China due to climate and
environment.
Why Martial Arts / Muay Thai?
Children are venerable and need guidance for self-protection, moral and physical discipline
and feel united strong. A camp is a place people live together every day of the week like a
family. Every person has the duties and rights. The equal share of the facility, order of cleaning
and meals, daily educational sessions and training makes an harmonious and regular lifestyle
possible.
Every child needs a regular lifestyle to develop the best of his/her abilities. Chinese history did
proof the important of Martial Arts in many ways. The arts of China are famous all over the
world and even Muay Thai has its roots in the province Yunan. Martial Arts are not a sport,
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Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
they are a combination of physical and mental exercise, combined they help to protect and
defend the self and others. A good Martial Arts student develops many different skills which
are useful to society.
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Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
What is a camp?
The most important duties of the camp are ;
1. Shelter, we offer each child a proper bed,
a place to work and eat
2. Housing, each residents of the camp
becomes part of the “family” and is assumed to
take part in activities.
3. Training, we offer two training sessions.
These sessions consist of a variety of sports and
mental training parts, participation is compulsory
for all residents
4. Study, each child receives education in
the period between the two training sessions on
their own level. Language (Mandarin) is the first
priority.
Our camp community is based gender equality To
grow we need encouragement, a stable
environment, challenge to the physic and / or the
mental powers of the individual.
From plan to realistic result takes time and effort. It
is never easy to work in any country to realize plans concerning children as we are aware of
important dangers. Besides the gentle nature of the plan we should also cope with the hard
reality of today world such as we should be aware of ;
Child safety and security, we should constantly be aware of the fact that groups of
children may attract certain individuals and groups with bad intentions. This implies
that all participants who are in direct contact with the children should be checked and
recorded, screened and get a behavior control every year.
Group protection to natural causes such as storm, fire or water flows (we invest in
right buildings and training)
Crime protection. A close cooperation with organization is needed to avoid inside
growth of crime (individual level) or outside crime (gangs targeting the children and
other attractive options to children)
Education level checks at least twice a year. Test to control levels of education, will
to study / learn, personal IQ and ability testing.
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Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
The organization, the Force one Foundation
We call our community project Force One Foundation (FoF).
Why did we chose this name?
1 – Force One stands for personal development, the force inside
2 – We are living in a group but need to be a Force One to the outside world
3 – Force One has a complete philosophy that is transferred to all participants in each project
The Force One Foundation is a non-commercial charity based with a registered founding
document which passed notary registration and is documented with the official Chamber of
Commerce as ordered by law in the Netherlands.
The organization consist of the following bodies;
1. The ruling commission of the Foundation are;
a. Chair, The Chair provides leadership for the Committee, and sets the agenda
for meetings and manages meetings in line with the agenda.
b. Vice-Chair, who acts upon leave of the chairman/woman and in case of
events.
c. Secretary, The Secretary is a key committee member and ensures that the
organization runs smoothly. The Secretary provides a link between committee
members and the organization, and between the organization and outside
agencies. The Secretary deals with all correspondence that the organization
receives and helps the Chair ensure that the Committee’s meetings run
smoothly.
d. Treasurer, One of the key roles of the Committee is to manage and control the
funds of the organization. All Committee members have equal responsibility
for the control and management of the funds. The Treasurer plays an
important part in helping the Committee carry out these duties properly.
Beside the Foundation we will have a range of important commissions, members of the
society and external contributors who play a certain important role in all activities.
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Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
2. The Supervisory Board, the Supervisory Board consists of at least three members,
The Supervisory Board is responsible for supervising the policy of the ruling
committee and has an advisory role.
3. Board of recommendation, The Board of Recommendation (BoR) consists of persons
who support Force One Foundation and approve of its goals
4. Contributors. This members are financial and labor contributors to the organization,
they have a saying in the spending and will be reported on a year on basis
The Force one Foundation strives to include the following parties into the daily administration
of the foundation for a better organization and control of services and developments.
Important participants, contributors and advisors of the organization in China are ;
1. Representative of the CP from the local and national Government
2. Army, a representative of the Army for advice and recruiting purpose
3. Representatives of the Social services responsible for the specific area
The Military are considered an important partner for several reasons;
Security and stability
Possible employer for participants on the project
Official Chinese participation
Chinese must be part of the project. To
guarantee safety, opportunity, educational
correctness and future planning the following
Chinese organizations should be promoted to
participate.
1. Parents of the children who are willing
and able to participate in activities
2. China social workers.
3. Military. One role of the military should be
the provision of jobs for a part of the youth for the future.
4. Local organizations who are related to construction, housing and city/village planning
to facilitate and control the building structures, advise and participate in planning.
5. Universities and schools as part of the education system. As community we ask
students to spend at least a few days per year in one of our communities for teaching
and participation.
An important other participant on distance are the Chinese Embassies abroad for the
promotion of the project and in facilitating teachers and trainers to participate in the project.
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Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
How to get Chinese organizations participated?
Direct participation of local Chinese people and organizations is not easy without giving up
parts of the freedom to exploit the camps. To get local Chinese to participate I would like to
work with “connected” oversee Chinse to organize and introduce the plan through the use of
Guangxi network. Many oversee Chinse know the local system and some have direct
entrance to the needed groups. It is most useful to ask them to take part of the organization
and help to select target groups, places and financial help.
Who are our target groups for Chinese cooperation;
Oversee Chinese media advisor / representative
Chinese business owners and expats
Chinese students
Chinese local organizations already active in the field of “left behind children”
Governmental organizations involved with the target group of “left behind children”
Target local authorities of selected places starting with provincial / county
City or village authorities directly connected to the place of interest
Local officials and representative groups at destiny
Local elderly with authority
Neighboring schools or education centers
Local employers
Benefit and self-promotion are the main gains for the individuals and organizations to
participate. Most of the time it will not be the social feeling or involvement which will promote
cooperation. This is a rational fact otherwise the problem would never have grown so large.
This egocentrism is something to address and take account of. We have to start thinking
from their point of view to reach a solution.
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Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Foreign participation
With the participants of Chinese Embassies abroad we would like to facilitate trainers and
educators from abroad to work in the projects for a short period of time. We expect
volunteers to work at least one week in a project. Foreign participation consist of ;
1. Participation as trainer or teacher for a minimum period of one week
2. Financial cooperation such as donations, investments and internship or labor
opportunities for the residents of the projects
3. International opportunities to invite project inhabitants to study or work abroad at
proper aging, experience and under control.
Target groups of foreign participation are;
Chinese businesses and media , their participation is needed and will benefit them in
the country where they stay as it will reflect a social image to the company. Most
Western companies and customers “demand” social engagement of companies, this
is a great opportunity.
Chinese students and students with Chinese interest. This group is useful for
connections, translations, communications, direct negotiations and promotion. It is
very likely we use part of this group also as participants in education of the children.
Interaction between foreign and local education institutes is promoted.
Social engaged people and organizations who sympathize with the target group and
our organization. We request them to participate as;
o Financial supply, sponsorship , partnership, employer
o Equipment supply
o Human supply such as teachers, social workers and healthcare
NGO’s , we ask other organizations to participate in our activities by
o Knowledge transfer, active help in planning, organizing and connecting
o Logistic assistance, use of their organization to get products / people at the
place of destination
o Participation, many NGO have specific help programs to be useful and
practical for this project.
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Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Media
Media coverage must be cut in different
sections;
TV broadcasting of local, province and
country level. With the right connections and
local consent we also can look for international
coverage. TV is topic limited and hard to
control. Coverage of a topic must be censored
before used and each broadcaster thoroughly
checked on past
performances before we
can allow an open sincere
broadcast situation. The
reason of censoring and
profound background check
is the fact that we have to
obey the UNISEF rulings on
children broadcasting which
are related to privacy, safety
and security of the
participants.
Radio broadcasting
is done by the “voice of the
camp” a person selected
and briefed to represent the
camp in the broadest
possible way.
Newspaper and
magazine coverage. Both
will be invited, have a
guided tour and is
requested to send a proof
number as return favor. It is
important that from each publication at least one sample is kept in file as proof and
historical correct evidence.
Social media. We need to make profiles in all important social media such as
LinkedIn, Facebook, Weibo, Beidu, Instagram and all possible others. Direct
connection communication channels such as WeChat , WhatsUp and others are
selected for communication with all partners, members, sponsors, supporters and
interested parties.
Media coverage is important for fund raising and recognition. We have to see all coverage as
a form of advertisings to promote our goal to others. The best way to control media coverage
is not to engage in all but be selective and cooperative to a limited number of sources. For
every form of media we have to select a professional to interact in a professional way.
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Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
One nation one language
For success of an activity good communication is of vital importance. To communicate we
need to use one language. Mandarin, the national language, is chosen to be thought to all
participants in the project including foreigners. Mandarin is important to all people who want
to study in an official High school or University, for all national trade actions and to have
carrier opportunities. To increase the international opportunities for the residents of the
project we also introduce the use of English. For participants we have chosen to take English
as a part of the education system.
Mandarin, benefit to all for inter-local communication and continuation of schooling
English for communication with foreigners and international opportunities
Spreading of Mandarin over China (green)
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Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Participation of elderly
Success of the project depends on the acceptation and participation of the local citizen. Only
by acceptance the project is able to grow and earn trust and credibility. Both can be reached
by cooperation and participation of the local elderly.
Local elderly are vital to success of the
project. Their participation has important
objectives;
1. By participation and involvement
we give the elderly a sensible life goal
2. Through participation we keep the
transfer of cultural values
3. Elderly have a natural authority
with the local children and to have them
participating will create trust and reliability
4. By participating in the project we
also positively contribute to the existing
elderly problem of loneliness and neglect
Conservatism is widely spread in rural
communities. To get the elderly
participating in the project needs a good
understanding of the local customs and
culture with use of the local language.
Introducing our goal “one country , one
language” will meet resistance with the
elderly and we should avoid processing
participation that way.
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Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Building a community in the camp situation
A good community offers not only shelter but also places to meet and sleep, to work and to
entertain. The center of the community is a high boxing ring. This ring is a symbol of
determination, power, daring features, a place where we are closed into but never
defenseless, a challenge for a better
future, a possibility of fame and fortune
and a sign of unity.
The community is focused on
participation and not competition. We
stimulate every person to participate
within their own possibilities and mental
boundaries and never force them to do
what is not wanted nor desired.
The community must be build offering the
following building structures;
A central ring in an open space.To
suit the local climate this area may be
covered with a roof.
A meeting and eating area, large
enough to receive all residents in one
time
Sleeping facilities for different age
groups such as ;
o For children younger than 5, there is a special care facility
o Girls and boys in separate dormitories from 5 – 10 years old
o Girls and boys of 11+ get a private block room, these are rooms for sleeping
and keeping personal property only.
o Washing facilities in different levels.
Kitchen facilities, central kitchen were everybody has duty
Clean area, a clean area for the cleaning of clothing and other things
Storage area, food and product storage,
Technical and repair facility for maintenance of internal goods.
Within the building extra spaces are created for safety reasons known only to the
residents and caretakers in case of emergency
Care area, a small care area is cleared for sick and injured residents.
The Gate. The gate construction is chosen to be used in times of danger to keep
strangers out but is always open in case of fire alarm and safety.
Around the camp we try to keep at least ten meters of empty space without vegetation for
safety of the building.
19. 19
Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Camp and
child, the
critical
benefits
The camp offers
the following
benefits to the
children;
A closed
environment
guarantee basic
security
Unity as a
family
replacement,
children receive
warmth and love
from each other and the caretakers , this develops empathy and social skills
Structure, during their stay they will have to participate in different regular returning
events such as cleaning, repair, meetings, meals, sleep time and so on
Education, children will be stimulated to study and show results, assisted when
having problems and help when in problems
Regular food and sleep, both are needed for growing up steady
Proper clothing, each child receives a cloth budget / package per year
Age related consultancy, children in different age-groups have different problems
From puberty to adulthood, when coming over 16 the child will be guided to
independent housing / schooling if needed
Focus on girl-education
In countryside girls are often forced into traditional role models. Girls are not stimulated to reach
top-education level but supposed to work in the house, marry and get children. Many different
women have proven not to suit this model and have chosen for education and carrier. In our camps
we should enable girls to have freedom of
choice for the direction desired. By
stimulating education and sport it is
possible to enrich their lives and stimulate
mental and physical growth into maturity.
We should offer them a future .Benefits
for the girls are;
Stronger start in society
Education gives freedom of choice
and opportunities
Better future carrier possibilities
Stronger family perspectives and
raise of future family standards
Gender differences will be less in
jobs, education and career
International opportunities of all kind
20. 20
Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Insurance
To cover financial, physical / personal and material risks we need to insure what is possible
and likely. Insurance is also needed for the medical care of the children and staff, the
buildings and transportation vehicles. Cost of insurance depends on the different financial
risks involved and the rebuild or replacements of the products. Foreigners are requested to
cover their risks in country of origin. The financial consequences of insuring all can be found
in the financial statement.
Volunteer work
Volunteers can join in the following positions
Indirect Participation ;
o Help to realize the plan by assisting in;
Planning
Translations
Use of connections (network)
Introduction of the plan to others ( active promotion)
Communication with officials (Government, Military and others)
Direct participation
Participation (lessons, volunteer services in the camps or other ways)
Financial contributors (for food, buildings, maintenance, educational
materials other expenses)
Fundraisers, people busy to achieve funds for the camps
Offering jobs to the older residents, developing of a work program
Promotors, are people and organizations assisting to create awareness of the
problem, help to set up more project camps in different area’s and promote the
results and work by writing, broadcasting or other ways
21. 21
Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Individual participation / contribution;
Our project need a balanced and strong foundation. A combination of Western and Chinese
input in every part of the development and implementation. Every individual or
organization willing to participate is welcome..
The individual participant can chose;
Translate the plans and adjust to suit local laws and demands
Introduce the plan and get people interested in the project
Get us connected to the Government officers responsible for this issue in China
Area selection for the project(s)
Fundraising, we work as a Foundation and not a commercial enterprise
Get people to participate in the teaching process such as real teachers, students,
volunteers and others
Steps to go
The camp is step one. We offer
security, education and development
to the children. After their stay it is
important they keep connected to the
camp and continue education. At the
age the kids must leave the camp to
attend special high school or
University we have to stay connected
for a balanced future development
and continuation of the project.
Step 2 = selection of new
education institute
Step 3 = follow the child during this
phase of education by direct connection (Wechat or other channels)
Step 4 = regular return to the camp and support the education of citizens there with
the new gathered knowledge
Step 5 = preparation of network for further career opportunities
Step 6 = keep connected to stimulate promotion of camp(s) through all possible
channels
We see the generation of the future as our ambassadors who will spread the work and
promote the set up and development of other camps around the country.
22. 22
Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Finance
As for every project, finance is a critical issue. To
finance the project we need to cover the following
expenses;
1. Housing
2. Energy costs (electricity, gas, water and
others)
3. Food
4. Health insurance
5. Educational materials
6. Training equipment
7. Clothing
8. Education
9. Traveling cost
10. All none-referred costs of living such as
cleaning, reparations and other
Housing Housing consist of different factors such as
Main building
Dormitories 0-5 years
Dormitories 5 – 11 years
Individual rooms 11+ boys
Individual rooms 11+ girls
Clear & storing area
Ring area
Wet part (shower, toilets and else)
Kitchen
Energy cost Main building
Dormitories 0-5 years
Dormitories 5 – 11 years
Individual rooms 11+ boys
Individual rooms 11+ girls
Clear & storing area
Ring area
Wet part (shower, toilets and else)
Kitchen
Food 3 Meals per day for 40 persons
Health insurance Group 0-5 years
Group 5 – 18 years
Teachers & trainers
Volunteers
Educational mat. Group 0-5 years
Group 5 – 11 years
23. 23
Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
Group 11 + year
Special education materials
Overhead projection system
TV and satellite system
Training equipment Ring
Weights
Boxing bags
Striking equipment
Gloves
Special clothing
Weaponry
Camera and computers
Clothing Collection of new and secondhand clothing
0 – 5 children
5 – 11 years
11+ boys
11+ girls
Traveling costs Local travel expenses
Inter-local expenses
International expenses
Non-specific costs
26. 26
Copyright Arnaud van der Veere, Spui 214e
, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Future vision?
China will drastically change in the next 20-30 years. New laws give people the possibility to
have more children. In current situation the gender politics seem to change and females are
more accepted. The amount of girls being killed during or just after pregnancy is reducing
and the acceptance of having a daughter is rising.
In contrary with the Western world the migration toward cities will continue and the
countryside become a more and more desolated area where traveling groups will rule.
Villages will become under treat and residents are no longer secure. The poverty in country
side will increase and lawlessness is expected to prevail. A grim vision that already has
shown its dark sides in some areas.
The problem of the “left behind children” will start to reduce around 2020-2025 when most of
the current generation is grown up. But by growing up a new problem is created. Most of
these former children has no proper education, lived a solitude life without much concern
from and with others and less social skills. Most have no control of emotions and probably
will come in conflict with many people. They will not easy find jobs or are able to start their
own business. Crime will be the solution to most of them.
The result of this development will increase the insecurity of the countryside and endangers
food production for the cities. Living on the edges or outside the cities becomes dangerous.
This is a short term vision of which we see already some coming true.
Our camps will be a clear light in this darkness. Each camp is built like a as strong as
possible for protection from the outside dangers and the security of (young) residents . The
camps are built for decades and must have a full self-reliance and the capacity to survive in
the worse situations. When the problem of the “left behind children” is decreased the camps
can be used by the same group to build a new society and take care of agriculture and
production for the cities. The target must be to build camps to last and be of benefit for all.
Why foreigners need to be involved
Chinese are surviving, they work overtime and most have no free time to spend. The cause
of the current problem is migration from country side to cities, a movement that we had in
Western countries some decades ago. Most Western countries see a move the other
direction. People leave cities to villages for a better and cleaner life. But China is not there
yet.
The “modern” history of China is still young. It is considered that since the early 1900 the first
reforms have been set in. China made a move from a communist to a socialist society since
the 70’s. Since the late ‘90’s a new move from socialism to a commercial society came to life.
Western countries had centuries to develop systems and structures, China had to do so in a
very short time.
People in countryside got wrong information about the luxury life in cities and did think they
could make a fast fortune there and return to their hometown. But the opposite happened.
Most city migrants did run into a high cost / low income environment which was limited by
laws and misused by the commercialization of the society. The negative side of a money
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, 2511BX The Hague, ph 31703625800
oriented society are cost, high working pressure, bad housing environment, expensive daily
lifestyle, constant interaction with others and no privacy.
The first flood of migrants were male who left wife and children behind but this did change. If
the man left the house to a faraway city most of the time he got into affairs which damaged
the marriage. Due to these situations the story went around and woman demanded a part of
the “city adventure” and left with the husband. Some women took life into their own hands
and went away for work also leaving the children in the hands of others.
Most foreigners do not have these “migration” experiences and have an open mind toward
the situation. They do not judge the parents but surely are willing to assist were help is
needed. A foreigner brings knowledge and labor to China. They have a dedication to work for
a purpose and are willing to share time and knowledge. A foreigner brings a positive
mentality of help, dedication and interaction to the camps and the country. To a foreigner
volunteer work is for personal interest, goal and satisfaction. It gives them a fulfilment in life.
We ask the foreigner to offer at least a week of their holiday to one of our camps.
Hukou system
One of the major reasons that there is a group of “left behind children” is the existence of the
Hukou system. This system limits the people from free residing at any place they like.
Although many people consider the system an limitation of freedom, it is an important step of
the Government to keep the countryside inhabited. If the system did not exist, country side
would probably be empty already and lots of other problems of more serious nature would
develop.
To “claim” rights or “make use” of local facilities such as hospitals and schools a person
needs to be registered and receive an official “stay permit” for the city. It is not easy to get
this official certificate and most people do not own one. If a parent does not have a Hukou it
is not possible to get their children and give them an education or even health treatment.
When a person gets old he/she has no right of a pension.
The Government decided that in the future they reconsider the Hukou system and relax
some or all of the rulings. If that happens many of the “left behind children” will move to the
cities to be unified with parents or caretakers. In contrary what some people think, the road to
the city is not paved with promises but often more with problems. Cities do not have enough
housing space, cannot provide proper education to a large group of newcomers and will
bring most children into problems with work, education and crime. Cities expand to
uncontrollable size. The Government is taking measures to prevent this to happen but from
different sources we have been informed that it will fail to reach the expectations like in most
cities around the world.
Our camp(s) try to give the children and parents a high sense of responsibility of the future
importance of country side and the benefits of being there. A strong national feeling is
needed to keep children in China on countryside.
Crime in countryside
Living in country side is not easy. The Government has less control and official organizations
as police, justice and social workers have limited powers. Some scarcely populated areas
are left behind. In these areas groups have been organized of which the nature is doubtful
and sometimes criminal. Their criminality has no limitations. Exploitation of children for the
use of hard labor, slavery, sex crimes and drug growing and trade are the cornerstones of
these groups. Villages do not have a defense against these groups.
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An increasing source of income seems to be sex oriented travelers who focus on children
and extravaganza. Most of these travelers are no longer welcome in other countries as
Thailand and the Philippines. The Chinese government is not well informed yet and cannot
take full control yet. All sex-crimes are illegal in China and if caught serious punishment is
expected. Where possible we will cooperate with proper authorities with information and
possible actions.
For the sake of the children we need to set up camps which have a protective structure
against all kind of violence and offers special facilities within the walls of the compound
(camp). Participation of the Chinese Army and International volunteers are needed for the
success of these camps.
Participants of this process are not requested any payment, financial involvement of any
kind. Financial participation is open to everybody for any amount and at will, there is no duty
nor commitment of any kind. High salaries or additional benefits are not allowed nor
tolerated, all payments are open for control at any time..
All persons who work directly with the children must have a clean criminal record, a
certificate stating that they were never involved in child misuse of any and all have to sign a
legal statement with declaration of child protection. If any doubt may arise the person
involved will not be allowed to come in direct contact with the children of the project. It is our
duty to protect them at all cost.