Members of the Lotus Light Charity Society (HK) went to Gansu Province again on 1 April 2009, to inspect the drought condition and shoot for the new episode of the fundraising TV program “A Precious Drop of Life”. Joining the team were two new ambassadors, Alan Tam and Karena Lam.

 

The purpose of this visit is to raise funds for the poor villagers in Kong Tong district, Ping Liang, to build rain-saving water cellars. One of the townships in Kong Tong district is Dazhai. Sitting on the highlands with poor weather condition, Daizhai township, which is four times the size of Hong Kong Island, has a sparse population of 20,000. Due to water shortage, villagers have to walk for hours every day to fetch water. Some of the water source, consumed by both human and livestock, is contaminated and results in a high possibility of cross infection, jeopardizing the health of villagers.

 
 

 

12-year old Li Fu-cheng lives with his psychotic mother in a dilapidated cave, while his father seldom returns home as he has to work outside. When his mother falls ill, she will hit little Li or even cut him with a knife. Li can only run away and hide. Suffering keratitis, Li has no money to visit doctor due to poverty, and Li may become blind if he fails to get proper medical treatment according to doctors. Li has a considerate and strong character. When Alan asked him what he would do if he became blind, he replied that he still has his right eye to see. When Karena asked him if his mother hit him frequently, he told her that he would not blame his mom because she is sick, and that he hopes her illness can be cured. Alan and Karena could not help crying after listening to Li’s reply.

 
 

Sharing with us his feelings after the trip, Alan said, “The natural conditions are very poor in Gansu. Water, the vital source of life, is barely available in this region. I feel sorry for the children here, they never give up despite the adverse environment. Just like little Li, he is strong and considerate, as opposed to those in Hong Kong, who always complain and blame everything on others but themselves. I really think Hong Kong children should come here and learn these good qualities.”

  

“I learnt so much in this trip. I remember vividly that a little girl who was abandoned by her mother since she was a child telling me that she no longer hates her mother, and she hopes her mother to live well. I was touched by her forgiveness as a gesture of love. The children here are tough and considerate. I think those so-called troubles that I have are no longer troubles. I shall try my best to improve their living conditions.”