MBLers

In London

Xinran : A Chinese mother of a 16 years old son Panpan who likes the food cooked by his mum. author of ‘The Good Women of China' ‘Sky Burial' (Published in more than 30 languages from July of 2002); columnist of The Guardian newspaper (G2); free lance adviser of TV & Publishing House; founder of The Mothers' Bridge of Love. “I am still a woman who dreams to be a good daughter in the arm's of mother forever…For someone who reads and write a lot, I always forget names of people or books, so my most frequently asked question is “Who/ What is it? “…Please forgive me if I ask YOU this question?.?

 

	Meiyee : A Chinese descendent who have been brought up to know her roots; currently working in an investment bank in London; studied law in China and London (LL.M from SOAS, London University). “I'm not a mother myself but hope to be one someday…. I have always wanted to contribute something back to my ancestorland –China and Xinran's Mothers' Bridge of Love is a great opportunity for me to do just that. Not only will I be giving back something to the Chinese society but my hope of becoming a “mum” might just come true!…. ”
	Wendy: When I was a middle school student, a bamboo flute playing girl at the corner of the street became the major drive of my decision of being a teacher. So many years later, when I first stepped on the land of Scotland, the bagpipe music touched my heart and brought me back to the corner with that girl. Since then, the image of that flute girl echoed in my mind from time to time. Now being the Executive Director for Mothers’ Bridge of Love, I am together with you to find more flute girls and get back to the “classroom.”
	Emily :Our trustee, Emily Buchanan with her daughters Jade from Shaanxi Province and Rose from Jiangxi. “I am working with MBL as I am confident it will help us build strong and lasting links with China.”
	Kailan : A mother of three kids and a native of Shanghai; a former US securities lawyer now working part-time in the private equity industry in London; founder of the Chinese Culture Group with Kensington and Chelsea Women's Club in London; founder of Chinese Learning Centre for kids in Central London. “I am very deeply moved by the love and dedication of many adoptive parents of Chinese children around the world. I want to help these children and their adoptive parents to understand a little more about China and help bridge the cultural differences between them and people in China.”

Liyi: Born and grew up in Shanghai and spent the last five years in Singapore; Currently I am in the London office, design and maintain MBL website and organise and co-ordinate with centres in Beijing and Nanjing for web-related projects, as well as to provide office IT support. As a daughter, I am so grateful to my mother's selfless love for me while as a Chinese living outside China, I fully understand the importance and significance of communication between different communities as well as retaining one's original culture; I admire everything that is sincerely, intelligent and fun.

In Beijing

Tong : A mother who enjoys the joy of motherhood, who has lived up to her Chinese name by feeling young again after becoming a mum... "I believe my destiny is to work for children or with children hence I gave up my engineering career to start up a children's educational website, publish children's books and a project co-coordinator for the children's television network in China. To be involved with the Mothers' Bridge of Love project is another opportunity for me to show my love for less fortunate children and help them have a better life. Work aside. I'm a proud mother to a 6-year-old boy whom I treasure with all my heart...”

Zengli : A mother of a 9 year-old boy who after having a son decided in a change of career. “I decided I want to make an impact on society. Being able to help children who are deprived of love and bare necessity in life has provided me with the courage to give up my engineering career of 10 years and instead to work on children's books. Writing and editing stories for children with various educational partners like the media and publishing houses is my way of giving hope and love to the children in China and with MBL, my hope and love can be extended to children of the world.”

Cynthia : A mother of a young son who is 8 years old. Currently a Marketing Director in an IT company who graduated with a BA degree in Finance from Beijing University. “I believe that love is the source of life and the Mothers' Bridge of Love is going to allow me to shower my love to Chinese children, especially Chinese girls and let them feel the wonders of Chinese mothers' love and how beautiful life can be.”

In Nanjing

Tea : A Chinese mother of a young son, Xiao Xiao, who is 11 years old and has a passion for sports and games. “As Head of Nanjing Film Studio and Vice-Director of Jiangsu Music Radio Station, I have accumulated a lot of experience in the Chinese media field. I have always wished for a daughter and now with my involvement in the MBL project, I'm sure I'll have not only one but many ‘daughters' from this ‘bridge of love'”.

Leo : A radio presenter and producer in China who has obtained his MA degree from the University of Nottingham and at present he is the only man in this project. “I am very happy to do something for women because I was told by my mother from a very young age that behind every successful man is a great woman… ”.

Julie : Mother of a baby girl who is one-month-old, who “has brought such joy and happiness to my life, that joy of motherhood is bliss”. As Director of a travel agent, she hopes to create a “bridge” by being able to provide good travel arrangements for the West to the East. “I hope that my “bridge” can help bring the West closer to the East so that adoptive Chinese children can learn more about their land of birth!”

Ping : A mother of a 10 year old son Chaoran, the Director of The Nanjing Children's Art and Musical Centre; a pianist and singer who will always be a child at heart. “As much as I love the joy of being a mother, sometimes I wish I was a child that never grows old …”

Volunteers In the UK

	Alicia: My name is Alicia, Aili in Chinese. I did my BA in Modern Chinese Studies at Leeds and have lived in China for 2 years studying, teaching and travelling. I am fascinated by Chinese culture and have been learning Chinese for 5 years now. Last year I was volunteering for ‘The hope project’ helping children in poor rural areas get a better education. I want to continue to help the disadvantaged children of China through working with MBL. During a time of great economic development in China it is even more important not to forget about the thousands of Chinese children still living in poverty.
	Bonnie:My name is Bonnie and I was born and brought up in Hong Kong. I've just been in London for a little bit more than a year for doing my degree in Social Policy and Sociology in LSE. I am always aware of the fact that there are so many people out there who could not enjoy life as much as we do, and are much in need of our help. Still being an undergraduate student, I hope I can contribute by helping in MBL and learn more about the works of charity organizations. I am very happy to see the faces and feelings of those who are also working together for this charity.
	Bryn: My name is Bryn Cain and I work with MBL because I want to do my little part to understand the complex contradictions between China and the West. The potential for successful relationships between these very different worlds is vital for our changing and growing global society. MBL is the best way I have found to engage my creativity and learn about China at the same time. Its tons of fun and a great learning experience!
	Cindy: I’m from Tianjin, the city very close to the capital of China Beijing, I’ve been to England nearly 5 years, until recently gained my Masters degree in Science at City university. I’m a cheerfully person believe everything must have a solution and work hard toward it never give up. I’m not a mother yet, but my love to children is not less than the one already been motherhood, I hope one day I’ll be a great mother, I think because of this, we all come from different part of world to support MBL, let it works for the less fortunate children in China.
	Elisa : I’m Elisa. I’m Italian and I’m living in London. I’m a student of Law and Study of Religions at SOAS and I have a degree in Chinese Language and Civilization from Venice University. I spent my last two years in Mainland China and Taiwan, where I studied, worked and traveled. As I heard about Mother Bridge I felt really excited by the idea of working for children, for Chinese children, the future of China. Once, almost five years ago, at Beijing West station I met a poor child and, waiting for my train, I spent the afternoon with him. “My Beijing child” is still here, in my mind and in my heart
	Geny: My name is Geny Caloisi, I'm a journalist and I have been living in London since 1999. I'm Argentinean, from Buenos Aires. All my family is in Argentina and I live here with my loving husband Martin, who is English. I graduated from journalism over three years ago and I've been working in an online publication ever since as a journalist and web manager. I'm passionate about culture and communication, and I find that I can help with these two aspects at MBL. Being from another culture, I feel that it's very important to know our heritage, which will help us to cope better in the society where we live. Chinese children around the world will have in MBL, this wonderful cultural bridge by which they can understand better their own culture and share it with their adopted parents.
	Grace: My name is Ge Xiaoqing and I'm from Shenzhen in China. I have just graduated from Leeds University in MSc International Finance. I want to take action to help underprivileged children in China, and hope that being involved in MBL can help me do this. As education becomes more and more important in China, it's crucial that poorer children should have the chance to fulfil their potential too.
	Isabel: I am a native Londoner and Cockney and began working with MBL in September of last year after spending a year teaching in Shenzhen, Southern China with the British Council. This invaluable experience enabled me a wonderful opportunity to exchange culture, ideas and language, giving me greater understanding of China and its people. Working with MBL has given me the chance to help Chinese children, both in China and the UK.
	John: My name is John McGovern and I have recently graduated from the University of Glasgow with a first-class degree in history and politics, now work in the London office. I am ‘mixed race’ from Scotland and England. I grew up in Somerset, England feeling Scottish. Then I moved to Glasgow, Scotland and all the time felt English. This is just a little joke, but I know how important it is to feel comfortable in the place you live and also the place you have come from. I lived in China for one year which was an unforgettable experience because of the welcoming atmosphere of the Chinese people and not least because while there I met my wonderful wife Mei Mei!
	Kaby: I was born and grew up in Hong Kong for most of my life. After completing my undergraduate degree in English Language and Literature, I travelled to the United Kingdom to pursue postgraduate studies. I have been awarded a MA degree by the University of Warwick and University College London, and currently, I am studying a MA in Chinese at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS, London). Because of my interest in Chinese culture, I am particularly attracted to become a member of MBL. I was extremely impressed by MBL's health, education and life development support to underprivileged Chinese girls, after recently attending a presentation by Xinran at SOAS, and am enthusiastic to participate in this worthwhile cause.
	Kenny: I was raised in a musical family. I am a professional performer. I am renowned for my saxophone playing and have won many hearts with my music through performances in the world. I’m tender, caring, affectionate, sincere, easygoing and hardworking. I am sure I am not the best in the country. Others are better than me but I did well on the day.
	Lina: Hi, I am a 100% Chinese girl and have been living in London for a while. It was amazing to find a Chinese Charity in London. Then nothing could be better than working for it, for our children, our culture and for our motherland... I know I am only a minimum of the local. But I still would like to put my hands with you, and then we all can join together to build this bridge! Want to know what this bridge is like? Come along and join us, you would find you could be a good “ architect”.
	MeiMei: I am a Chinese dance performer and teacher. I am currently studying at SOAS, University of London, doing a postgraduate course in East Asian music performance. With great passion and successful experience in introducing Chinese music and dance into British society, I hope I will be able to help adopted Chinese children in Britain understand their roots.
	Nicole: It's an honor for me to work as a team-member at MBL, for I believe that its mission is a noble one. It also brings me great joy to be able to connect with other spirits who share the same faith that whatever united by Love, Compassion and Integrity has the power to transform and transcend.
	Nina Fenton: Since my first visit at the age of 15 I have returned to China 6 times to teach English, visit friends, travel, eat, shop and learn more about the complicated, colourful, rapidly changing, inspiring and sometimes frustrating culture, economy and people. During my visits, and in particular my time working as a volunteer teacher in a remote area in the North West, I have been shocked by the growing inequality between the booming cities and the rural areas. I hope to help MBL to build bridges between these two sides of modern China and, in some small way, to help the rural poor to share in the benefits of China's rapid economic ascent. I am currently researching for a Phd in development economics at Oxford University, focussing on education in rural China.
	Rosa: I am a General Course student from the States studying economics at LSE this year. I lived in China (Beijing) for 12 years and love anything and everything China-related. I am also fascinated by languages and cultures, and do my best to study and spread them. Aside from Chinese, I also study German and just started learning Spanish as well. I love travelling and exploring. But I have yet to adventure through China.
	Tiffany: My name is Tiffany Qian. I'm a open-minded and nice person, and willing to exchange different ideas with others. I'm glad that I can join this charity to offer my little bits of help. I'm sure we'll have fun together since we are working towards the same goal-to set up the bridge between China and the world, between adoptive and birth culture, and between the poor and the rich. Let's move on step by step, and embrace the bright future of MBL!
	Veronique: My name is Veronique; Lin Fang Fei in Chinese. I graduated from SOAS in London (School of Oriental and African Studies) with a Master’s degree in Chinese Studies. My passion for China started with me studying Mandarin in University. I left for Tianjin in 1998 to teach English to Chinese children. This was a tremendously rewarding experience in terms of human exchange. I learnt a lot from my students about Chinese culture and way of life. The 6 years I spent in China are filled with dear memories and I feel a very strong connection with China and the people there. My decision to join MBL is a way for me to give back to Chinese people a bit of the warm welcome they extended to me and to help underprivileged Chinese children grow up in a more loving environment.
	Xiaohui: Hi everyone, I’m Xiaohui, half Mandarin half Cantonese. I just finished one year Master programme of Social Policy in LSE. Over the past 7 university years, “tackling poverty” and “bridging Western and Chinese Cultures” are popular ideas in my courses and research projects. I would like to dedicate myself to related-fields. But any journey, I believe, needs to be started at a good departure platform. MBL, a charity organisation with clear vision and passionate people, is an ideal place where I can realise my goals and enrich my understanding in the situations of vulnerable groups in real world. Though I am not a mother, a heart full of love can connect us together, working for a better world for our children and children’s children.
	Xue Xin :I am from Dalian, the most beautiful city in China---in my eyes. I have been in London as a student for almost five years. During these years I had different kinds of job experience. I enjoy this life style very much. This is my first time to work for a charity organisation. I want to find the value of myself through this experience. Hopefully I can do my best for MBL and bring happiness to you. You can see it from my photo here!

Volunteers In Spain

John Margetson : John is MBL country leader in Spain since June, 2008. John is also the founder of 'Love a Child' foundation,  which is registered in Spain and aims to support children from poor areas of the world, who are refugees, abandoned, abused, exploited or orphaned. John runs the foundation with the help of volunteers, as well as a board of Trustees. ´When I travelled to Burma (Myanmar) in 1998 I was horrified by the poverty that the children lived in, but even worse was the exploitation of children as young as 10 or 11 years old being forced to work in the docks in Rangoon (Yangon) carrying huge sacks of rice on their backs that most could barely lift. It wasn´t difficult to decide that something needed to be done, but what and how?´ Address: Apartado de Correos 1113, Frigiliana Malaga Spain Tel. (0034) 95 253 3508 Email: info@loveachildfoundation.com

 

Volunteers In China

Beijing

	Bi Zijia: Hi, I am Bi Zijia, a Chinese girl. You can call me Abella. Now, I’m a college student in the CUC (Community University of China) university in China. I’m a volunteer in the Volunteers’ Association of China, and the minister of the Plan Office of the Volunteers’ Association in CUC. I’ve planned, organized, as well as took part in a lot of movements, which were not bad. And I also worked in the school newspaper, for the English section. I like English very much, and enjoy this job. I like Chinese culture, and I’m proud of it also. It’s great, beautiful, mysterious, having a long history. I’d like to introduce this great culture to people all over the world. I’m a volunteer; I’d like to help people who need my help. It makes me living happily and meaningfully. And my friend told me about the MBL. I know it works for the orphans for free. It impresses me, so I’d like to take part in to do something for others. I hope more and more orphans have parents earlier. Hope what I do now can mean something in the future. Yes, I like it. Here’s my photo ^_^
	Chen Jing: My name is Chen Jing. I’m honest, kind-hearted and sort of Jack-of-all-trade; hence I have no specialty to boast about. The Chinese culture is so deep and comprehensive, that if we don’t live IN it, we could hardly grasp the core idea. I’m afraid that no vocabulary can completely and precisely describe this concept of “Chinese culture”, without weakening its power in my heart. *^_^* As to MBL, I feel this organization could help Chinese orphans and deserted infants, and to some extend, could build another kind of bridge for the cultural exchange between China and the Western world, so I decided to devote myself to it. Hope more people can join in and contribute.
	Hu Xiaopei: A mother of a 3-years old girl whose given name is “One”. After being a mother, she thinks that childhood is the most beautiful time, and the experience of culture from the cradle will continue to influence one’s whole lifetime, especially fine art and education for children. They will become an important instrument for transmitting cultural essence from generation to generation, and provide people the essential abilities to sustain the cultural diversity and human creativity since childhood. She is doing a lot of research work on the theory and communication about children’s fine art so she can further develop her predominance in this field
	Thomas Abbott： Thomas Abbott hails from England, although he spent his teenage years in Pakistan, where his parents worked on various agriculturally development projects. After three years studying History in University back in the UK (London), he was eager to return to in Asia, and did so three months after graduating in 2002. He spent a year in Shanghai, involved in a teaching programme run by the British Council. He then joined the NGO ‘Care for Children’ and moved with them to Beijing, where he remains to this day, working as CFC’s ‘marketing person’ (a job he created for himself!). He admires MBL’s vision, and is happy to help the Beijing office in a small way.
	Shenshen : My name is Shenshen Xiao. I've been in UK for one year studying theatre and Drama. I am from China. I am a full time postgraduate student. I sometimes write for different magazines in China on art events and theatre productions taking places in London. I want to help because MBL helps me. It provides me a chance to cast my view onto the things I never realized before and makes me start to think of and be care about others rather than my tiny little self-pithiness. In addition, MBL's aim on cross-cultural communication suits my research topic. I believe through continuous and effective efforts, people can achieve mutual understandings and trusts no matter what language they speak, what cultural back ground they come from or what religion they believe.
	Wang ChenYang: There is a place. It shows me a world where people have different cultures and different lives. It told me there are some children need others’ care and attention. And it gives me some friends who have the same dream to make a better world. This place is MBL. There are many girls in China who need help. That's our work. Try our best to help them out of troubles and grow up in a health condition.
	Wang Ping: I am Peggy Wang Ping, a bilingual columnist and photojournalist who focuses on international exchange. I am sincere, pure, romantic and still passionate for life though have suffered a lot. As a MBL volunteer I  believe that love can give us energy, health and hope to help others. Love may also change our life. There are too many things we can do for poor mothers, homeless children, old people etc. And I am always ready for that.
	Wei Xuan: My name is Wei Xuan (English name Vivi), a college student in Beijing Broadcasting University. I loved to read, write and sing; of which singing is my favourite pastime, my life was simple but happy. As for Chinese culture, I have been influenced very much by its marvelous breath and depth, and the infinitude factors that express the historical and ethical emotions. Now I am one of the members in the MBL team. Recently my work is to translate some letters from foreign parents and to increase the volunteer base for MBL. I hope all the homeless children can have their parents and lead a beautiful life. That's what I would call "paradise!"
	Yizhou: My name is Yizhou, means one boat. This boat was made in Beijing, floated to Xiamen University to study Chinese literature, after four years, back to Beijing and became an editor for a French magazine Madame Figaro Chinese Edition. But she always want to sailing, three years later, the boat crossed Pacific Ocean and went to UK to study Arts Management. Now, she got the Master degree and did a lot of volunteer work for a gallery, a Chinese radio, a Chinese student union and Greenwich Chinese group. This boat although still small, but she hope she could bring art and culture between her motherland and overseas, and sailing further and further.
	Zheng Ruiying: I’m Zheng Ruiying, a third year college student in Beijing Foreign Studies University majoring in English Literature. It is so fortunate that I have had a chance to get to know MBL, to participate in several of its activities and I have learnt a lot in the process. Being an outgoing and energetic girl, I am so willing to do various voluntary work for children who are in need of help.

Nanjing

	Ju shuai : I like the colour of cherry, so you can call me Cherry. I love life and enjoy it. Every week I teach the children Cambridge English. These lovely angels make my life more colourful and happy. "Having a heart like children" maybe make us youthful forever.
	Li Fan: Hi I am Lee, a young, energetic, English speaking boy, with a deep love to my country, a good knowledge of Chinese history and culture, a strong sense of responsibility to my job as interpreter, I can be helpful for MBL.
	Song Fei: I was born in Nanjing .I have graduated from Nanjing Normal University. Now I’m a graduate student in the University of Macau. My major is Chinese Literature. Swimming and travelling are my hobbies. I also like to talk with people all over the world. I want to join MBL to become a volunteer and do something significant to the Mothers’ Bridge of Love. As you have seen from my picture, I was boating on the lake. In spring, the weather was fine and people enjoyed going out of the house and doing some exercises. When you come to Nanjing, I’m willing to guide you to famous spots and introduce their histories and culture. Open mind and Happy Every Day is my belief.
	Yi Ning : I'm a teacher of a Special School. I teach children Chinese language and calligraphy in the school. I like calligraphy, painting and Chinese architecture. MBL is the bridge that helps you know China, the home of Chinese children
	Yuanyuan: I'm a graduate student in the Southeast University in Nanjing, you can call me Yuanyuan. Chinese food culture is my favourite. I think it makes life palatable. I once heard of several sentences about love, which perhaps come from the Bible. The main idea is, love is endurance and kindness. Love is not envy, boast and haughtiness. Love is not to do something shy and care others' badness……Love is eternal! I'm being deeply affected by the eternal love and MBL gives me the same and constant inspiration.
	Zhou li : I was born in Nanjing, an old, free and beautiful city. I like reading books so much that I think the administration of "The International XINRAN library" an enjoyment. I wish the thought of MBL could come to China as soon as possible and let Chinese children feel the love to them from all over the world.

Shanghai

ALANNA :She is a student at the School of Oriental and African Studies pursuing her MA in Chinese Studies. She is originally from Colorado in the USA, but completed her undergraduate work at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Spending a year in Beijing studying Mandarin piqued her interest in learning more about the daily lives of ordinary Chinese people. Working at Mother Bridge gives her a chance to learn about a unique aspect of Chinese culture and to work towards bridging the gap between Western and Chinese lives.

 

Volunteers Around the World

	AUDREY: Hi! My name is Audrey and I am originally from Palos Verdes, California, a small town near Los Angeles. In 2001, I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in English Literature. That summer, I moved to Hong Kong - a fulfilment of my lifelong dream. Ever since I was four, my family travelled to Hong Kong almost every year to visit relatives. These trips greatly influenced me as they gave me the chance to practice my Chinese and see where my parents grew up; my love of the city has never waned. Today, I work as a journalist specializing in music and travel, two of my favourite things in life. Thanks for visiting MBL's site and I hope you enjoy all that we have to offer.
	Cecile : My name is Cecile. I lived, studied and worked in China and Taiwan between 1997 and 1999. Those years were packed with eye-opening, exciting, and always challenging life experiences! Since then, I have worked in the field of international banking, and have recently completed an MA in international journalism. My life time dream though was always to get involved in some sort of charity project working with China. When I heard about mother bridge, I thought that’s it, my dream job! Working for someone like Xinran as well, is one inspirational journey, not to mention all the other great volunteers involved! I hope we can all join forces to bring Xinran’s vision to life.
	Cynthia: My name is Cynthia Moyer, and I live on the Oregon Coast, U.S.A. - an hour west of Portland and five minutes from the Pacific Ocean. My husband Charley and I adopted our daughter Emily Rose YangJuan in August of 2004 from Hunan Province and are in the process of bringing home daughter #2, Mary Pearl, in late 2006. I have a background in writing and a degree in forestry conservation, although I have worked mainly as a newspaper reporter in three different newspapers since college. Now I am a full-time mom to Emily, spending what free time I have writing children's books, taking pictures of Emily, scrapbooking, and working with groups like MBL. I would love to do what I can to reach the mothers in China and let them know their children are thriving in their new lives.
	Kate: I'm currently studying psychology at university but last year I spent a year teaching English in China. It was the most amazing experience of my life and gave me so much. I learnt much about Chinese culture and life and loved it but I was also aware of the hardships Chinese people go through as part of their everyday life. I think MBL is a much needed charity, helping those often ignored by others and I think it has a chance of really making a difference, especially with Xinran at its head. Through MBL I think I can help give back to China as it has given so much to me.
	Mellisa: I'm currently with a multimedia software company in London since 2003. Prior to the UK, I spent a year in Germany and seven years in Taiwan and Indonesia. I'm a Canadian citizen of Chinese descent, growing up in Vancouver. My parents grew up in South Africa; my grandparents were Hakkanese from Guangdong. As a third generation Chinese, I'm extremely interested in the notion of cultural roots and 'belonging'. I'm committed to the MBL cause because I believe every child should be proud of his or her heritage -- learning about one's background enriches our understanding of who we are and our relationships with those we love. As such, bicultural children are blessed with the riches of two traditions -- a gift which should be nurtured and shared by families, with help from organizations such as MBL.